April 22, 2016
PRO Rugby Sacramento Squad vs San Diego
Doug Coil
Sacramento opened their season at home with a thrilling 37-25 win against San Francisco at Bonny Field. This week they travel to meet San Diego in their first PRO Rugby match and home opener at Torero Stadium.
The match is on TV on One World Sports and is being streamed live on AOL.com on Saturday April 23rd at 3pm PT.
Last week against San Francisco, Sacramento used their forwards as a platform in which to attack. Defenders were drawn in and backs were then in a position to try and find gaps. Mistakes within the attacking half will be punished as Mirco Bergmasco is a kicking force.
Expect San Diego forwards to hold their own in set play and Sacramento will lneed good cover defense to to disrupt the backs on attack. Expect an exciting battle!
Sacramento has stayed with what was successful and has not made any changes in the starting forwards.
In the backs there are two changes with Chris Saint starting at scrumhalf. Chris has the distinction of being the first PRO Rugby player to have been a member of two different teams. With Ohio stocked at scrumhalf, Chris moved cross country to Sacramento. With some extra time under his belt, he is in a better position to direct the Sacramento attack. On the wing, Joeli Tikoisuva has replaced last week’s starter, Rashad Harbor.
Sacramento Squad: 1 Val Lee-Lo 2 Ray Barkwill 3 Ollie Kilifi 4 Robert Meeson 5 Sione Sina 6 Kyle Sumsion 7 John Quill (C) 8 Sione Latu 9 Chris Saint 10 Harry Bennett 11 Ryan Thompson 12 Alipate Takiveikata 13 Mirco Bergamasco 14 Joeli Tikoisuva 15 Garrett Brewer 16 Kali Tavake 17 Toke Kefu 18 Rich Knight 19 Langilangi Haupeakui 20Estaphan Tuimassanga 21 Nemia Qoro 22 Jope Motokana 23 Ryan Keowler Coaches: Head Coach – Luke Gross Assistant Coaches: Kevin Battle, Fred Waititi
