Utah Warriors Not Looking Past Austin Gilgronis
Austin, Texas – The Utah Warriors have some modest momentum on their side after coming off their first victory of the season last weekend against the New England Free Jacks winning 39-33.
After a thrilling, comeback win in Las Vegas the Warriors will look to continue to build on the positives that came from their victory. With a more balanced offensive attack, when in comparison to the match against Rugby ATL, the Warriors proved that small changes can be implemented and make a large impact.
Head coach Chris Latham, while pleased with the result, knows that improvements can always be made.
“This week’s focus is to simply improve on last week’s performance” Latham explained. “We created a lot of opportunities which allowed us to dominate field position, but our execution at times let us down which didn’t allow us to capitalize on that dominance.”
The team for this weekend’s match largely remains unchanged. Tyler Fisher will start at outside center, with Calvin Whiting moving to inside center and James Vaifale replacing Fetu’u Vainikolo at Wing. Two new additions to the reserves will be Jared Whippy in the 22 jersey. Local Taylorsville rugby product Dom Toluono will make his Warriors’ debut in the 23 jersey.
“Dom is the reason I love coaching, and one of the main reasons I came to the USA. He is one of the young kids we have here at the club that are the future of the club and potentially the future of USA rugby.” Latham said in regards to Toluono. ”His natural ability along with his great attitude is the reason he has been given this opportunity this week. He has a fantastic attitude when it comes to wanting to learn. He asks a lot of questions and is very open to new things and change.”
The Austin Gilgroni’s are 0-2 on the season with their most recent defeat being at the hands of Rugby United New York (RUNY) by the score of 49-31. The Gilgroni’s will be bolstered this weekend with two former All Blacks joining the squad with Jamie MacKintosh and Frank Halai in the Austin game-day 23-man roster.
The Warriors and the Gilgronis kick-off the match at 6pm MST at Bold Stadium at Circuit of Americas in Austin, TX.
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 AUSTIN GILGRONIS
- Franco Van Den Berg
- Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
- Angus MacLellan
- John Cullen
- Matt Jensen
- Bailey Wilson
- Thomas Tu’avao
- Jurie Van Vuuren
- Dwayne Polataivao (C)
- Hagen Schulte
- James Vaifale
- Calvin Whiting
- Tyler Fisher
- Gannon Moore
- Robbie Povey
RESERVES
16. Ricky Tu’ihalangingie
17. Huluholo Mo’ungaloa
18. Kalolo Tuiloma
19. Puna Vuli
20 Saia ‘Uhila
21. Michael Baska
22. Jared Whippy
23. Dom Toluono
MATCH: UTAH WARRIORS vs. AUSTIN GILGRONIS
Date: February 22, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM MST
Stadium/City: Bold Stadium, Austin, TX
Expected Weather: Partly Cloudy 63°
Viewing/Broadcast Options: KMYU (local), ESPN+, MLR Facebook Live (International)
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