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Despite not sharing the same conference, Sunday’s match between San Diego and Rugby ATL at the Sports Deck most certainly has playoff implications. The Legion are holding on to the third spot in the West by a thread, while the Ratlers have both Toronto and New York breathing down their neck in the East.
Each of San Diego, Seattle, and Houston holds an even 5-5 record and there is a feeling that the final spot in the West could come down to bonus points. The Legion salvaged two of them in defeat to the Seawolves last weekend but they will be desperate to make every home game count to avoid heartbreak.
NOTE: At the time of writing San Diego have not provided a match day roster.
The Ratlers enjoyed a bye week to prepare for their trip westward with their last outing a convincing win over the Gold in New Orleans. They are just two points back of the Free Jacks for top spot in the East and five ahead of both Toronto and New York. Unlike those teams, however, the majority of ATL’s remaining fixtures are away from home.
It’s an identical tight five this week for ATL, with the only changes up front coming in the back row. VIli Helu is in for Connor Cook on the blindside flank and Evan Mintern replaces Daemon Torres at No8.
With no Ryan Nell this week Martini Talapusi starts at inside center and Will Leonard pushes out one spot to the No13 shirt. Lui Sitama comes in for Austin White on the left wing, and Rowan Gouws gets the start at scrumhalf. George Barton comes back into the squad on the bench.
In their only previous meeting last April it was ATL who were decisive winners at home. This time they have to contend with the coast-to-coast travel. The Ratlers do have greater momentum with two straight wins against two straight defeats for the Legion. ATL have been more consistent this season so despite playing away from home they should be considered favorites by a slim margin.
Kickoff is set for 5pm local time, 8pm Eastern. A local broadcast will be available on Fox 5 San Diego with The Rugby Network streaming worldwide.
SAN DIEGO LEGION
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RUGBY ATL
1 Will Burke, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 4 Justin Basson, 5 Johan Momsen, 6 Vili Helu, 7 Matt Heaton (capt.), 8 Evan Mintern, 9 Rowan Gouws, 10 Duncan van Schalkwyk, 11 Lui Sitama, 12 Martini Talapusi, 13 Will Leonard, 14 Te Rangatira Waitokia, 15 Joaquín de la Vega Mendía
Replacements: 16 Alex Maughan, 17 Jonas Petrakopoulos, 18 John Sullivan, 19 Conor Keys, 20 Ross Deacon, 21 Ryan Rees, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 George Barton
Date: Sunday, April 24
Venue: SDSU Sports Deck, San Diego
Kickoff: 17:00 local (20:00 Eastern)
Referee: Marcus Playle (New Zealand)
Assistants: Jacob Gonzalez (USA) & Alexis Alfaro (USA)
TMO: Austin Reed (USA)
Broadcasts: Fox 5 San Diego, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2021-04-03 – Rugby ATL 41, San Diego Legion 22 (Lupo Family Field)
