By Aaron Wilson
Locked in a battle to maintain their status atop the Western Conference Division, the Houston SaberCats know what they need to do”
Sharpen their play and consistency.
Play at the high level they’ve displayed in previous victories over the San Diego Legion and the Utah Warriors.
Apply the fundamentals from veteran coach Pote Human, starting fresh Saturday night in the Battle of the Bayous match at home against the Nola Gold.
The SaberCats (5-3) hold a narrow lead over the Warriors and Legion in the division race.
The Gold (3-5) represent an opportunity to get back to winning.
The SaberCats are in a two-game losing streak that snapped a five-game winning streak.
“New Orleans is a quality side, with some really quality players, a great squad,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “They bring a lot., but it’s more about staying focused on us this week and getting back to what we do really well and focus hard on the training prep for them. This week comes down us getting ready.”
It’s a theme of readiness for a returning playoff squad that has had a successful season that hasn’t satisfied them.
The SaberCats’ goal is to win the Major League Rugby shield.
To accomplish that goal, they need to get back to their winning ways and peak in the postseason.
“We just need to be more physical than them,” Drew Wild said. “When we’re physical, we create space for the scores. New Orleans has a very quick team. They like to throw the ball around. They will definitely be a good challenge for us.”
The latest setback struck an emotional chord with the entire squad.
Now, it’s about channeling those feelings and using them as motivational fuel.
“Everyone is feeling the same,” Wild said. “Everyone is frustrated, but we know we have such a good team. When we put it together, we’re one of the best teams in the league and we can beat anyone.”
The primary areas the SaberCats are pinpointing for improvement: the kicking game, spacing on offense and pursuit angles on defense to protect their side of the field.
“It’s absolutely correctable,” Den Hoedt said. “I actually don’t think it’s a lot of things we need to change. As far as a mental space, we just need to be ready from the first whistle to the last whistle and switch it on completely. If we approach every game like it’s a final, that can mentally steer us.”
