Game Preview: Saturday, May 13 vs. Seawolves

SaberCats have ‘big challenge’ in home match against Seawolves

7-3 SaberCats host 8-2 Seawolves

By Aaron Wilson

Every week, the SaberCats get closer to their destination: the playoffs.

And seeding is on the line, especially in key Western Division conference matches like Saturday night’s home match against the Seattle Seawolves.

The 8-2 Seawolves are in second place in the division, three points ahead of the 7-3, third-place SaberCats with the 10-1 San Diego Legion in first place.

“We pride ourselves on being humble and staying grounded,” SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer said after a practice session Thursday. “It’s a lot of competition. Every game is important. There’s a lot of rugby to be played. We have to take it game by game. They have a quality side, and it’s a big challenge for us.”

The Seawolves have won three of their past five matches with losses to the Legion and Utah Warriors. They defeated the Dallas Jackals, 61-19, in their last match. 

And the SaberCats, who had a bye last week, are coming off a road loss to the Legion. They’re the only team to defeat the Legion this season.

Consistency remains the overriding theme for the SaberCats. Slow starts and missed opportunities have been the primary obstacles for a talented team with a young roster.

“I just think we’ve played well at times,” Meyer said. “We’re the only team that beat San Diego. We did enough to win the game, but we didn’t finish. We had opportunities and we didn’t use them. 

“There’s a not of lot difference between top sides. It’s all about execution. We get opportunities, but you have to use them. That’s the frustrating thing. We’ve been scrumming very well. We let ourselves down the last game. We need to execute.”

One constant for the SaberCats: Davy Coetzer.

He’s having a breakout season as the leading scorer in Major League Rugby with 108 points and 36 goals kicked.

“He’s still very young, people forget how young he is,” Meyer said. “He’s hitting form. He’s a great player. He’s a little warrior. He makes great tackles. He’s still very young with a lot to learn.”

Gerrie Labuschagne’ has returned from an injury, as has Dillon Smit.

“It’s nice to have experience back,” Meyer said. “You have to have depth. It’s great to have Dillon back. He’s one of our most experienced players. It’s a team sport. You can’t rely on just individuals. One thing we do lack on our team is experience. We’ve got a lot of youngsters.”

*Photos by John Matthew Harrison