Rocky Mountain Battle As Utah Warriors Face Colorado Raptors
Glendale, Colorado – Coming off of a thrilling last minute try against the Austin Gilgronis, that led to a 20-20 draw, the Utah Warriors head to Glendale to match up against the Colorado Raptors.
The Warriors are in for a challenge this weekend as the Raptors are fighting for their first win of the early season. The Warriors, while coming away with a draw the previous week, can remain confident in their adjustments continuing to make a positive impact. Last weekend, the Warriors upped their defensive play and held the Gilgronis to 20 points compared to previous week’s results where their opponents averaged 30.5 points.
As the current league leader in points with 43, look for Hagen Schulte to continue his scoring tear. Captain Dwayne Polataivao also looks to keep his try scoring streak alive as he has scored a try in the last 2 games.
“We’re hoping this weekend, we can go after Colorado a little bit, and hope to attack that gain line” said backs assistant coach Shaun Davies.
Warriors’ lock/flanker Bailey Wilson is looking forward to seeing the improvements made during training this week. “Our second is going to put in a good shift” Wilson stated. “Set piece is crucial this weekend, so it’ll be good to see what we’ve been working on in our scrums and lineouts.”
The past 2 games have resulted from comeback efforts, which can largely be attributed to the punch from the reserves. “We’ve got a great bunch of guys” stated forwards assistant coach Shawn Pittman. “Our bench has given us a lot of energy in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game, so we’re looking forward to it.”
The team to face the Raptors will see a few changes. Sama Malolo will make his Warriors’ debut at blindside flank. Dom Toluono will move from the reserves to start at inside center, Puna Vuli from the bench to start at lock replacing John Cullen, and Arawa Elkington will come back from injury as a reserve at 19.
The Colorado Raptors are 0-3 currently and are in 6th place in the western conference. Coming off of a close defeat at the hands’ of NOLA Gold with a result of 20-27, the Raptors will be hungry to earn their first win of the season in front of their home crowd.
For more information on the Warriors and Major League Rugby visit www.WarriorsRugby.com. Be sure to buy your home opener tickets for March 13th at www.WarriorsRugby.com/tickets/.
UTAH WARRIORS TO FACE COLORADO RAPTORS
- Franco Van Den Berg
- Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
- Angus MacLellan
- Puna Vuli
- Matt Jensen
- Sama Malolo
- Bailey Wilson
- Jurie Van Vuuren
- Dwayne Polataivao (C)
- Hagen Schulte
- James Vaifale
- Dom Toluomo
- Calvin Whiting
- Gannon Moore
- Robbie Povey
RESERVES
16. Ricky Tu’ihalangingie
17. Huluholo Mo’ungaloa
18. Kalolo Tuiloma
19. Arawa Elkington
20. Saia ‘Uhila
21. Michael Baska
22. Jared Whippy
23. Tyler Fisher
MATCH: UTAH WARRIORS vs. COLORADO RAPTORS
Date: February 29, 2020
Time: 4:00 PM MST
Stadium/City: Infinity Park, Glendale, CO
Expected Weather: Intermittent Clouds 57°
Viewing/Broadcast Options: KMYU (local), ESPN+, MLR Facebook Live (International)
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