The Warriors head to Texas for a rematch with Austin Elite

(Photo: Davey Wilson)

The Utah Warriors make their way back to Texas, taking on Austin Elite at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex on Friday at 7pm MDT. The match will be broadcast live within the U.S on AT&T Sportsnet, and also on the ESPN+ app. For international viewers only, it will be Live streaming on the USMLR Facebook page.

Both teams come into this match with confidence from well-deserved wins in the last round. Austin stunned the San Diego Legion 31-5 at home and the Warriors finished strong winning 36-30 in Houston. With both teams currently sitting in the top 4, a win tonight could help secure 3rd place in the standings.

Head Coach Alf Daniels said, “The weather conditions in Texas are going to be a challenge again this week, but we’ve shown that we can adapt, push through and put quality results on the scoreboard”.

The first time these two teams met, the Warriors came away the victors 41-22 at Zions Bank Stadium, but there are 8 changes to the starting XV from that game. Three Warriors make their first appearance in the starting line up: BYU punter and Rugby All-American Jonny Linehan gets the call up to flyhalf in Kurt Morath’s absence, Life West Gladiator Tino Mafi gets the start at Hooker as Lote Tuipulotu moves to prop, and former USA Eagle and Utah Ute John Cullen starts at lock.

Warriors Captain Paul Lasike said “Our goal is to keep improving from week to week, and I think we’ve been doing that. I was impressed with the way the boys dug deep to hold on and get the win in Houston. We’ve just got to switch on early, play to our strengths and keep applying pressure for the full 80 minutes.”

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.

Warriors 23 man squad

1. Lote Tuipulotu
2. Tino Mafi
3. Angus Maclellan
4. Matt Jensen
5. John Cullen
6. Lance Williams
7. Ara Elkington
8. Saia Uhila
9. Joseph Nicholls
10.Jonny Linehan
11. Fetu Vainikolo
12. Paul Lasike
13. AJ Tuineau
14. Tonata Lauti
15. Alekisa Kalougata
16. Ray Forrester
17. Maka Tameilau
18. Les Soloai
19. Alex Tucci
20. Tevita Tameilau
21. Josh Anderson
22. Iniki Faamausili
23. Ben Nicholls

AT&T Sportsnet Channel#

Centurylink Prism: Ch 760, HD Ch 1760

Direct TV: Ch 683, HD 684-1

DISH: Ch 414

Xfinity/Comcast: Ch 52, HD 693