SaberCats Back at Home against Rugby ATL

‘This is going to be a huge match’

‘I think we’re still in the race’

By Aaron Wilson

One day before another important matchup, SaberCats coach Pote Human was contemplating strategy and the state of the team following a bye week. 

He’s upbeat about the SaberCats’ outlook.

Two weeks ago, the 3-1 SaberCats lost their first match of the season on the road against the Seattle Seawolves.

Now, they have an opportunity to get back on a winning track against Rugby ATL on Saturday night at SaberCats Stadium.

“I think we’re still in the race,” Human said. “It’s still early in the competition. This is going to be a huge match against Atlanta.

“They’re fresh. They’re ready to go. They’re really excited to be back on the field.”

Atlanta (2-2) absorbed a 35-10 loss in its last game to the San Diego Legion, whom the SaberCats defeated earlier this season.

Atlanta has been outscored by a combined margin of 89-78. The SaberCats have outscored opponents by a combined 111-76 margin of victory.

“They’re also coming off a loss, so it’s going to be a very physical game,” Human said. “It’s about getting our campaign back on track.”

In a narrow 24-12 loss to the Seawolves, the SaberCats fell short primarily due to penalty kicks.

“The Seattle game, our discipline, we scored two tries, they scored two tries, but they kicked a few penalty kicks,” Human said. “We can’t afford that. Our physicality has to be there, especially against Atlanta.”

The SaberCats get back team leader Dean Muir, a second-team all-star hooker who returns from paternity leave back in South Africa.

“I’m excited to be back playing here in front of the fans,” Muir said. 

This marks Muir’s 50th career Major League Rugby game overall and the 50th with the SaberCats for Zach Pangelinan.

“It’s exciting,” Muir said. “Atlanta also has a few South Africans on their team. The traditional South African style of play is up front with the forwards. We know they’ll try to make a dominant scrum. We’re going to match them.”

Davy Coetzer leads the SaberCats with 28 points. He has provided a steady scoring presence throughout the season.

“Davy is a real workhorse and a warrior,” Human said. “We have him healthy. That will be large. That will have a huge impact in this game.”

*Photos by BigShots SnapShots