GLENDALE – Following their second loss of the season, a 23-21 loss to defending champions San Francisco Golden Gate, the Glendale Raptors enter the weekend looking forward to a much needed rest from the intensity of the Pacific Rugby Premiership. On Saturday, they will face collegiate side Lindenwood in a friendly match.
“We’re using this as an opportunity to gauge the depth of the club and at the same time rest some of our key players,” Raptors head coach Andre Snyman explained. “Obviously it’s a non-league game so it’s an opportunity to play guys that aren’t in the starting lineup; guys who are always sitting on the bench.”
The Raptors last faced the Lions in a prior friendly match last October. Lindenwood took that match by a score of 24-15, against a Glendale team which consisted of a mix of new players and Division 2 players who are “on the bubble” of playing in the PRP.
“I just wanted to see what the new players could deliver,” explained Snyman. “We’re pretty much in the same situation now. I want to see what they’ve learned, if they’re coachable and adapting.”
On Saturday, Snyman expects to give club staples like Chad London and Zach Fenoglio a rest, while setting the stage for players deeper down the roster to be featured prominently.
Scrum half Crawford Miller (backup to Mose Timoteo), lock Andre Whaley and prop Jake Turnbull are among those expected to see significant playing time against Lindenwood.
Although the game will have no effect on the Raptors league standings, the Lions remain an opponent that is no slouch in the rugby realm. Lindenwood remains a Top 10 ranked collegiate side, coming in at No. 7 in the nation in the latest Rugby Today rankings.
“We don’t want to be complacent,” Snyman said. “We want to be competitive and give them a good run for their money.”
The Raptors and Lions will kick off from Infinity Park at 3 p.m.
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