By Aaron Wilson
Locked into a tight race in the Western Conference division, the Houston SaberCats have been building momentum steadily over the past five matches.
The SaberCats have won five consecutive matches and are now 5-1, holding an identical record as the San Diego Legion after a big win over a previously undefeated team a week ago at home.
Both teams have 25 points apiece through six matches with the Legion having scored more points overall.
Every week is pivotal as the two Western Conference squads battle for the division title and playoff seeding.
The SaberCats are back in action Saturday night at home against Rugby FC Los Angeles after beating them on the West Coast earlier this season.
Los Angeles is off to a 3-3 start and rank fourth in the division.
“It’s about resetting,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “It’s a new week. Obviously, it’s another big one for us. It’s another home game. We’re going to have to prepare well. We know they’re coming for us.”
Davy Coetzer leads the SaberCats with 49 points to rank second overall in Major League Rugby. Coetzer leads MLR with eight turnovers won. He is poised for his 50th cap, all earned with the team that drafted him.
And newcomer Samuel Tuifua leads the league with 41 crossed gainline this season.
The starting lineup for this match: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Seth Smith, Pono Davis, Johan Momsen, Den Hoedt, Emmanuel Albert, Marno Redelinghuys, Tuifua, Andre Warner, last week’s Man of the Match, Coetzer, Max Schumacher, Dom Akina, Taulatasi Tasi, Rufus McClean and Drew Wild.
“One-hundred and 10 percent, we still have to keep improving,” Albert said. “We know it’s going to be a challenge to win the shield, but we’re here for it.”
In a match with a theme of College Night, the SaberCats’ honorary team captain is Zach Pangelinan, an original SaberCat with over 50 caps for the franchise.
The motivation to keep winning is strong as can be.
“LA is a very good team,” Warner said. “We’re focused on ourselves. We enjoy a victory and we get back to work.”
Winning a sixth match in a row will require execution and discipline.
“LA is pretty good,” Tuifua said. “They’re going to be pushing, and we want to come out on the winning side.”
