NEWS

Round Thirteen Preview

WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER DIEGEL FOR THE RUGBY NETWORK | Photo by Justin Walker

NOLA Gold at Old Glory DC 

Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

NOLA Gold will come out swinging after enduring a one-point loss to its conference-leading rivals. DC is stuck in a two-game skid and seems to be suffering a crisis in confidence at times. Both teams will look to atone for Week One’s draw, a game each believes it should have won.

What’s at Stake: NOLA Gold is just about in desperation mode after the loss last week dropped the preseason contenders to fourth place, though it does have the game in hand over two of the three teams in front of it. Old Glory is in a similar, albeit more precarious position. A loss wouldn’t mathematically eliminate either team from the playoffs, but it would be a crushing blow, especially for DC.

Bold Prediction: It’s NOLA that takes the grubber match, 34-30.

Toronto Arrows at Austin Gilgronis

Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

Toronto was game through the end against the San Diego Legion but in the end had to settle for its second straight defeat and fourth in five games. Austin picked up a key win to snap a two-game losing streak of its own.

What’s at Stake: Austin needs the win to stay within a game of Utah, and ahead of the streaking San Diego Legion. A loss for Toronto would all but mathematically eliminate last year’s Eastern leaders from playoff contention.

Bold Prediction: Austin defends home field, 31-20.

San Diego Legion at Utah Warriors

Saturday at 9:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

This is the Game of the Week in the Western Conference. San Diego can get back to .500 and just two points back of Utah with a bonus point victory after digging itself a huge hole in the first half of the season. A win for Utah strengthens the Warriors’ playoff position and would be a big step toward eliminating the former finalists once and for all.

What’s at Stake: There’s still time, and Austin’s right there, but a big step toward clarifying, or further muddying the, picture for the #2 seed in the West.

Bold Prediction: I’m here for the drama. Give me San Diego, 31-28.

Rugby ATL at Rugby United New York

Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

And now welcome to the Eastern Conference’s Game of the Week. #1 ATL, red hot on a six-game win streak, goes to #2 New York. New York is playing quite well in its own right, winners of four of five and coming off of its most dominant win of the season before it hit its bye week.

What’s at Stake: The Eastern Conference’s #1 seed heading into the final month of the season. Down five league points, New York could tie up Rugby ATL while still holding the game in hand.

Bold Prediction: Atlanta’s been the best team in the league for the past month and a half, but New York has not been far behind. Rested and at home, New York takes it 24-23.

Seattle Seawolves at New England Free Jacks

Sunday at 5:00 p.m. ET | Watch on CBS Sports Network

New England survived a spirited comeback attempt to keep its undefeated home record intact. Unfortunately for Seattle, the Seawolves were the recipient of a completed one.

What’s at Stake: New England is now in third place, possibly a game out of playoff position pending the New York-ATL result. Seattle is trying to end the season on a high note and build for the future.

Bold Prediction: New England stays undefeated at home and builds a three-game win streak. 30-24 Free Jacks.

Houston Sabercats at LA Giltinis

Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network

LA returns from its bye after being handed just its second loss of the season. Houston just had its losing streak extended to seven games.

What’s at Stake: Keeping a safe lead in the West for LA. Playing for pride and trying to snap the skid for Houston.

Bold Prediction: You have to take LA. 41-20 Giltinis.