NA Rugby Database

Recap

MLR’s most prolific playoff team the Seattle Seawolves host the Houston SaberCats at Starfire Stadium in the 2023 Western Conference Eliminator.

The SaberCats had a clear plan of hemming in the Seawolves, which yielded results early as Davy Coetzer found a hole, but this try was called back for obstruction and Seattle were able to clear. The first points of the game came after the hydration break via a penalty kick from AJ Alatimu, before the ‘Cats reverted to their game plan which again yielded results which stuck this time. The Seawolves were pinged for collapsing at two lineouts and Sam Matenga was handed a yellow card. Seattle were again penalised for a shoulder charge and Dillon Smit went quick with a pass to Akina unmarked who found paydirt. Davy Coetzer nailed the conversion from the side for the full 7, and a Houston lead.

It didn’t take long for the Seawolves to strike back, as they found possession straight from their own kickoff. They kept up the pressure until Charles Elton found a gap from close range to restore the Seattle lead, which was extended by AJ Alatimu to 10-7 for the home side. There was another blow to Houston just before the half, as Marno Redelinghuys took a man out without the ball which the TMO caught. Seattle went for the corner and won their own lineout before AJ Alatimu stabbed a grubber through which found Adriaan Carelse for a dot down under the posts. The full 7pt try meant that the hosts took a 17-7 lead into the sheds.

Another mistake from kickoff by the ‘Cats kept the momentum with the Seawolves, and AJ Alatimu (that man again!) punished them with another 3pts. Ronan Foley found a huge line break not long after, but an infringement save the ‘Cats this time, but only for a short time as an off the ball tackle gave Alatimu another chance at the posts, which he took for another 3.

Gideon van Wyk gave some life to the visitors by winning a breakdown turnover. Coetzer put a booming kick downfield and there was nobody home to gather, and Coetzer finished in the corner before converting his own score to bring the score back to 23-14. Van Wyk again sparked something for the visitors, grabbing an interception and handing the ball to Dillon Smit who hoofed it downfield, but it found the edge of the playing area before the thundering SaberCats chasers could reach it and the Seawolves had a dropout to clear their lines, with which Gerrie Labuschagne immediately attempted a drop goal which sailed wide before the pause for the hydration break. After this break, Labuschagne chipped a ball over the top which bounced funny off of his head straight to Gideon van Wyk who reached out to score another for Houston. Converted by Coetzer, it was now a 2pt game.

It was at this point that the Seattle Seawolves appeared to stop playing with their food. Their forwards started going through the phases and captain Riekert Hattingh, on his return from injury, dotted down. With Alatimu automatic from the tee, the hosts led 30-21 with 10 minutes remaining. Hattingh again picked up and made ground off a Houston mistake before feeding to JP Smith to seal the victory despite the SaberCats scoring a consolation try with the clock in the red. The Seawolves advance to the Western Conference Final to face the juggernaut San Diego Legion at Snapdragon Stadium. Houston turn their attention to the offseason and 2024.