By Aaron Wilson
The trend is upward.
The collective stock is rising.
The Houston SaberCats have upgraded their standard of play, overcoming the adversity of key injuries to reach a significant milestone.
Having qualified for the Major League Rugby championship against the two-time defending New England Free Jacks on Saturday afternoon at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the SaberCats have earned a pair of playoff victories and this prime opportunity with convincing wins over the Utah Warriors and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.
They’re approaching a peak, optimal style of play.
“We’re close to it,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “I think there’s still room for improvement. We still let in three tries the past two games. So, there’s definitely room for improvement. I think we’re headed in the right direction, that’s for sure.”
Led by AJ Alatimu’s game-high 13 points, the SaberCats dominated the top-seeded Warriors on the road in Utah last week.
They held off a late charge from Los Angeles for the win.
They’ve had breakaway tries stemming from sharp defense, including a Tautatalasi Tasi interception of a Warriors pass for the score as he ran the length of the field untouched.
“It’s an unreal feeling,” Alatimu said. “Really proud of the boys. We defended well. One more week. The job isn’t done.”
Against the Warriors, former LSU football player Drake Davis led the team with 121 meters made with five more than Tasi.
Andre Warner had 63 passes.
And Emmanuel Albert led the team with 22 tackles, three more than Pono Davis.
The way the SaberCats are performing has left Den Hoedt proud and somewhat subdued as he takes it all in.
“To be honest, I’m a little bit at a loss for words,” Den Hoedt said. “Obviously, it’s a massive achievement, something we worked extremely hard for. I’m super excited.”
The opportunity to keep playing together, to continue this ride is extremely motivating.
“We’re just really embracing being together for one more,” team captain Johan Momsen said. “We could have gone home last week or the week before it, but we just get to spend more time together and enjoy and embrace this opportunity of going all the way.“Two more training sessions, and then it’s gametime. So, really embracing it all and enjoying the opportunity.”
