NA Rugby Database

Recap

The Seattle Seawolves host the San Diego Legion at Starfire Stadium in the 2022 Western Eliminator. The surprise fixture is a result of both the LA Giltinis and Austin Gilgronis disqualification from the 2022 season, bumping the Seawolves and the Legion into playoff spots.

The Legion got off to a dream start, with scrum-half Nate Augspurger charging down a Seattle clearance and, after a Legion scrum, slipped between two defenders for the opening try which was easily converted by Joe Pietersen. The Seawolves struck back quickly, with 2 AJ Alatimu penalties sandwiching a Sam Matenga try from a rolling maul, also converted by Alatimu. The reeling Legion had more back news after they lost a lineout on their own throw, resulting in a Duncan Matthews try in the corner. Alatimu added the 2 and the score was suddenly 7-20 to the hosts. The final score of the first half came just before the half-hour mark, a Ma’a Nonu break almost put Michael Smith in for a score, but was held just short. Tevita Tameilau finally powered over and Pietersen added the 2 to bring the Legion within 6, and the score remained 14-20 into the break.

The Seawolves struck first in the second half through the boot of Alatimu once again, shortly before Riekert Hattingh was handed a yellow card for a high tackle to put Seattle down to 14 for 10 minutes. The Legion lineout failed however, giving away possession and allowing Seattle to clear, followed about 5 minutes later by another 3pts from Alatimu. The real nail in the coffin came from an up & under kicked and recovered by Duncan Matthews. Alatimu almost finished it himself but came up just short, allowing the forwards to finish it themselves for a 7pt try through a driving maul credited to Travis Larsen. The Seawolves didn’t take their foot off the gas, with Ross Neal crossing for their 4th of the game. Alatimu was accurate as ever to take the score to 40-14, all but over. The Legion claimed a consolation try a few minutes from the final whistle, but their season would end here.

Seattle will progress to the Western Conference Final to face the surprise #1 seed in the West, the Houston SaberCats.