Face off between the Warriors and Sabercats in Houston

(Photo: Davey Wilson)

HOUSTON, TX — The Utah Warriors travel to Texas and face the Sabercats at Dyer Stadium today at 4 pm MDT. The match will be broadcast live on AT&T Sportsnet (see channel guide below), the ESPN+ App, and for International viewers only it can be seen on the USMLR Facebook page.

After last weeks bruising encounter with the Seattle Seawolves, the Warriors make only one change to their starting line up with Iniki Faamausili making his Major League Rugby debut on the wing. As a surprise to many, former BYU Football punter and Rugby All-American Jonny Linehan has also joined the Warriors ranks and looks to make an impact being named in the reserves.

This week’s matchup will be crucial as both teams are looking to get some much-needed bonus points and move up the MLR standings. The Warriors are currently sitting in 6th, just two points behind San Diego and the Sabercats are trailing the Warriors by just one point in the standings. If the Warriors are able to win today’s game they will move into 3rd place with three more games remaining in the regular season.

The Sabercats are led by Fijian 7s Gold Medalist Osea Kolinisau and have former New England Patriots Fullback Joey Iosefa on their 23 man squad. So far this season, they have lost narrowly to two of the leagues top teams, but have also put 50 points on Austin Elite. With a solid forward pack leading the way, the Sabercats backline will look to show their flair on attack.

Warriors Captain Paul Lasike said “We’re definitely looking to bounce back this week after going down to Seattle. The Sabercats bring an impressive line-up with a lot of experience, plus this 94-degree heat with humidity is going to be a tough challenge”.

The match will be broadcast live on AT&T Sportsnet (see channel guide below), the ESPN+ App, and for International viewers only it can be seen on the USMLR Facebook page.

Utah Warriors 23 man squad

1. Alex Tucci

2. Lote Tuipulotu

3. Angus Maclellan

4. Matt Jensen

5. Saia Uhila

6. Lance Williams

7. Ara Elkington

8. Vita Tameilau

9. Joseph Nicholls

10. Kurt Morath

11. Tonata Lauti

12. Paul Lasike

13. Fetu Vainikolo

14. Iniki Faamausili

15. Don Pati

Reserves

16. Tino Mafi

17. Maka Tameilau

18. Les Soloai

19. Ray Forrester

20. John Cullen

21. Jonny Linehan

22. Vern Ale

23. Ben Nicholls