By Aaron Wilson
Back in action Saturday, the Houston SaberCats take no opponent lightly.
Following their bye week, the 3-1 defending Western Conference division champions travel to Charlotte, N.C., for a road match against Anthem Rugby Carolina.
Both teams are well-rested after a week off. Carolina, though, has yet to win a match this season.
The SaberCats are riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories after a surprising season-opening loss to the Chicago Hounds.
Now, the SaberCats are coming off arguably their most impressive performance of the season with a bonus point victory over the Utah Warriors.
“It’s definitely a case of taking it week to week,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “The competition is stronger and stronger every season. It’s very competitive this year. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
Humble and hungry defines the SaberCats approach under the leadership of veteran coach Pote Human.
The SaberCats are holding a Watch Party at Platypus Brewing at 1902 Washington Avenue where players and the team mascot, Scratch will be in attendance.
The starting lineup for Saturday includes Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Seth Smith, Pono Davis, Javon Camp-Villalovos, Justin Basson, Emmanuel Albert, Keni Nasoqeqe, Ronan Murphy, Juan-Dee Oliver, AJ Alatimu, Seimou Smith, Sam Hill, Louritz Van Der Schyff, Jeremy Misailegalu and Max Schumacher.
Carolina lost narrowly on the road to Old Glory DC before their bye, falling 26-22.
A year ago, the SaberCats defeated Carolina 38-15 in Charlotte, N.C., as Misailegalu scored two of the team’s six tries in a bonus point win.
It was a decisive win, but it’s a new year and a new day for both squads.
The SaberCats’ commitment to being aggressive is paying dividends.
“We had a meeting about being more physical to control the game,” Drew Wild said. “It was good.”
The SaberCats rely heavily on their passing game, which has created a more wide open scoring punch with better spacing and tempo.
They remain a big team that includes Davis, a former defensive tackle at SMU.
Davis uses his size, strength and mobility to overwhelm his opponents.
“I feel good,” Davis said. “I feel like I’m definitely getting back into the rhythm of rugby. It’s good to be out there. It definitely helps having that physicality from football and being able to get that conditioning from rugby. Putting those together is a good combination.”
