Roosters Named for Clash with Legion

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK HEAD COACH GREG MCWILLIAMs NAMES HIS SIDE TO FACE THE UNDEFEATED SAN DIEGO LEGION (4-0). THE GAME KICKS OFF SUNDAY AT 7 PM EST, KICKING OFF LIVE ON ESPN+

Forwards

The starting front row of James Rochford, Dylan Fawsitt, and Paddy Ryan is the same trio that started the 2019 Semi-Final matchup against the Legion. Ryan and Fawsitt both scored tries in the tightly contested battle. Nate Brakeley, leading the league in tackles, combines with Matt Wirken in the second row. Wirken is the lone change from last weekend’s starting pack, replacing Charlie Hewitt, who is currently listed as “day-to-day” on the injury report. The back row of Hanco Germishuys, James Denise, and Mathieu Bastareaud remains unchanged.

Backs

Marcus Walsh hops back into the starting lineup after one week on reserve duty. Cathal Marsh, who currently leads Major League Rugby in conversions made (13), combines again with Walsh in halfbacks. Chris Mattina and Will Leonard continue their center partnership after a solid performance in Houston. This is the same duo that started the Semi-Final match up, although their roles in the centers were reversed, with Mattina on the outside and Leonard inside him. Connor Wallace Sims and Mark O’Keeffe cover the wings with veteran Ben Foden manning the backfield from the fullback position. All seven of the starting backs appeared in the last contest against the Legion.

Reserves

Mike Brown, Anthony Parry, and Kirk Hamilton will cover the front row from the reserves bench. Rookie Rob Irimescu looks to earn his fourth cap on the weekend and Kyle Sumsion can add to his try tally as additional back row cover. Mike Petri and Harry Bennett continue to provide relief for the Roosters, and versatile back Mike St. Claire has the opportunity to earn his first cap of the season.