Damm Returns for Seattle Showdown
RFCLA has named its squad for tonight’s crucial clash against the Seattle Seawolves at Starfire Stadium.
Following their third 2-point loss in four matches, RFCLA heads to Seattle in search of a vital win to stay in contention for the MLR playoff race as June approaches.
Captain Jason Damm returns to the lineup after attending a family wedding, shifting Tim Anstee to the blindside flanker role and moving Semi Kunitani to the reserves.
Franco Van den Berg earns the start in the forward pack, with Tim Oelwein set to make his RFCLA debut off the bench.
Tighthead prop Maliu Niuafe remains sidelined due to injury, bringing the number of unavailable props to six.
The starting backline remains unchanged. However, RFCLA receives a major boost with the return of one of its brightest stars of 2024, Matt Anticev. He is set to make his 2025 season debut off the bench after an extended injury layoff.
Senior Assistant Coach David Dennis noted the team's commit this more and was aware of how important this match was for the team within the MLR Standings, but remained focus on tonight only.
"Firstly, congratulations to Timmy (Tim Oelwein) on earning his first cap for RFCLA, and to Matt (Anticev) for his diligence in returning from a lengthy injury layoff," said Dennis.
"Tim has integrated well into the squad and has applied himself from day one. Now it's time for him to step up, and we’re confident he’s ready for that challenge.
"We’ve had a solid week of preparation. We know Seattle will be hungry for a win in front of their home crowd - they’re a different team at home and have notched some big victories there this season.
"I’m proud of the players' resilience over the past month. Of course, we want to see that hard work translate into wins - there’s no question about that. But our focus this week is staying committed to our game plan and executing the style of rugby we want to play.
"The way the Western Conference is shaping up is fantastic for the league - it’s making every match feel meaningful, almost like the NFL in terms of how critical each win is. That said, our players are locked in on what’s in front of them this week."
RFCLA team take to play Seattle Seawolves, Friday May 2, 7pm at Starfire Stadium, Seattle.
- Alessandro Heaney
- Benjamin Sugars
- Franco Van den Berg
- Jason Damm
- Jurie Van Vuuren
- Timothy Anstee
- Edward Timpson
- Benjamin Houston
- Gonzalo Bertranou
- Christian Leali'ifano
- Andrew Coe
- William Meakes
- Nicholas Chan
- Rory Van Vugt
- Reece MacDonald
- Benjamin Strang
- Tim Ohelwein
- Justus Tavai
- Semi Kunabuli
- Matthew Heaton
- Tasman Smith
- Seth Purdey
- Matt Anticez
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