Fire Back: RUNY v Legion Week 5 Preview
Rugby United New York v San Diego Legion
The Road Dogs are out in San Diego for a match up with the Nonu-less Legion. Last time these two met, the Legion ripped RUNY’s heart from its chest in the dying seconds of the semi-final game.
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Both teams are playing good ball right now, the Legion a little more so than our Roosters. But the Legion are missing a few of their biggest players this week. Ma’a Nonu, Nate Augspurger, and JP Du Plessis are all on the sideline due to injury.
RUNY is coming off three straight wins, but this road trip is killer. Las Vegas, to Atlanta, to Houston, and now to San Diego. The team has to be feeling the effects of all that mileage. Thankfully, the road dogs return home for a two game home stand after this. Injuries are still taking their toll in the forward pack, with Charlie Hewitt being the victim of a minor bump. Good news is, he’s expected back next week for the 2020 home opener.
Players to Watch
Mark O’Keeffe- Wing
The Irish outside back has only started twice this season, yet he leads the team in line breaks (4). He’s run for over 160 meters on his 13 carries, sparking the RUNY attack whenever he touches the ball. He started on the same wing in the 2019 semi-final, and odds are there is a bitter taste in his mouth from how it ended. He’s a beast and is gonna use that to rip some heads off. He’s matched up against San Diego’s Tira Patterson.
Joe Pietersen- Fullback
Joe, Joe, Joe, Joe, Joe. Our dear friend Joe. The dude who silenced the city that never sleeps (like the tiniest slither of a fraction of it maybe). He was injured to start the season and the Legion relied on Fly Half Luke Burton for their goal kicking duties, who was alright a little shaky (72.5%). But now Joe is back, and that means his nearly automatic boot is yet another weapon for the Western Conference leaders.
LOCATION
TORERO STADIUM, SAN DIEGO
KICK OFF TIME
BROADCAST BEGINS 7 PM EST
VIEWING OPTIONS
USA: ESPN+
International: MLR Facebook Page
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