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Top spot in the Western Conference is now out of reach for Houston, but they can still secure a home game in the opening round of the postseason with a win over Carolina on Sunday. Anthem on the other hand have one final shot to claim a first franchise victory or face a second straight winless campaign.
| CURRENT STANDINGS |
9-6-0 (L2) West 3rd
0-15-0 (L15) East 6th
| STARTING LINEUP CHANGES |
|
IN | OUT |
| 1 | Ezekiel Lindenmuth | Valdemar Lee-Lo |
| 9 | André Warner | Jay Renton |
| 11 | Seimou Smith | Juan-Dee Oliver |
| 12 | Louritz van der Schyff | Dom Akina |
| 13 | Sam Hill | Tautalatasi Tasi |
| 14 | Drake Davis | Max Schumacher |
|
IN | OUT |
| 1 | Dan Hanson | Jake Turnbull |
| 2 | Ethan Howard | Connor Robinson |
| 3 | Stephan Bernal-Wendt | Alex Hernandez |
| 6 | Colin Turner | Alejandro Martinez Tapia |
| 8 | Graeme Pedegana | Dylan Fortune |
| 9 | Carlo de Nysschen | Cam Gerlach |
| 14 | Corbin Smith | Jason Tidwell |
| CAPPED INTERNATIONALS |
(5) – Lindenmuth, Alatimu (Samoa), Davis (USA), McLean (Scotland), Rebolo (Brazil)
(5) – Golla, Grandy, Fricker, Wilson, Turnbull (USA)
| NOTABLE ABSENTEES |
– Sam Tuifua (N8), Davy Coetzer (FH), Drew Wild (FB)
– Joe Apikotoa (TH), Cliven Loubser (FH), Conner Mooneyham (WI)
| PREDICTION |
The Texan heat might slow down the action somewhat, with the wind also likely to be a factor. Otherwise, however, it’s hard to see how the SaberCats fail to achieve their goal. Anthem have had some strong outings this campaign but short their full compliment of internationals it’s a tall order to upset the Cats in their own den. Houston are clear favorites at home.
| LINEUPS |
HOUSTON SABERCATS
1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2 Pita Anae-Ah Sue, 3 Pono Davis, 4 Justin Basson, 5 Nathan Den Hoedt (capt.), 6 Emmanuel Albert, 7 Johan Momsen, 8 Marno Redelinghuys, 9 André Warner, 10 AJ Alatimu, 11 Seimou Smith, 12 Louritz van der Schyff, 13 Sam Hill, 14 Drake Davis, 15 Rufus McLean
Replacements: 16 Wilton Rebolo, 17 Valdemar Lee-Lo, 18 Michael Scott, 19 Javon Camp, 20 Keni Nasoqeqe, 21 Jay Renton, 22 Max Schumacher, 23 Dom Akina
ANTHEM CAROLINA
1 Dan Hanson, 2 Ethan Howard, 3 Stephan Bernal-Wendt, 4 Sam Golla (capt.), 5 Mikey Grandy, 6 Colin Turner, 7 Makeen Alikhan, 8 Graeme Pedegana, 9 Carlo de Nysschen, 10 Karl Keane, 11 Toby Fricker, 12 Junior Gafa, 13 EJ Freeman, 14 Jason Tidwell, 15 Mitch Wilson
Replacements: 16 Connor Robinson, 17 Jake Turnbull, 18 Alex Hernandez, 19 Puna Vuli, 20 Dylan Fortune, 21 Ishy Safodien, 22 Mateo Gadsden, 23 Corbin Smith
| MATCH INFO |
Date: Sunday, June 8
Venue: SaberCats Stadium, Houston
Kickoff: 19:00 local (17:00 Pacific, 20:00 Eastern)
Weather Forecast: sunny, 88°F (31°C), humidex 93°F (34°C), wind S 17-25mph (27-40km/h)
Broadcasts: ESPN+, CW39, Sky Sports NZ, The Rugby Network
| OFFICIALS |
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistants: Chris Assmus (Canada) & Blair McClure (USA)
TMO: Austin Reed (USA)
| HISTORY |
HEAD-TO-HEAD (2) – Houston 2, Carolina 0
2025-03-22 – Anthem Carolina 45, Houston SaberCats 46 (American Legion Memorial Stadium)
2024-05-10 – Anthem Carolina 15, Houston SaberCats 38 (American Legion Memorial Stadium)
