Ruck and Roll: Djustice Ready for Noisy Seattle Welcome
March 25, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
LA Giltinis News Release
Giltinis prop Djustice Sears-Duru is eager for the noise of Seattle's Starfire Stadium again even though he'll arrive as a foe on Saturday.
The Canadian Test forward made his Major League Rugby home with the Seattle Seawolves for three seasons before relocating to Los Angeles for 2022.
"It's my first time back playing against my old team. It's going to be exciting particularly because I feel we are back on the right page after that win over San Diego," Sears-Duru said.
The 3-3 Giltinis did strike form with last weekend's 26-13 win over the Legion but must topple the 4-3 Seawolves to keep advancing in the bunched Western Conference standings.
Sears-Duru will be lining up against former housemates like Brad Tucker, Ross Neal and Nakai Penny as well as other players he shared the 2019 MLR Championship with while in Seattle.
"We're going to be heading into a stadium of loud and passionate fans, for sure, so we have to make sure we keep our eyes on the prize...a win," Sears-Duru said.
"The Seawolves have a lot of high-intensity players and are very dangerous on counter-attack."
He's delighted with the shift to LA: "To play with experienced players and have such a knowledgeable scrum coach like Alex (Corbisiero) means I'm learning every week."
You can take the Canadian out of Canada but Sears-Duru's colours are set when it comes to the sports teams he supports. He remains a Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays fan.
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HOOKER ON A HIGH
Drinking a Gilly's beer out of the Cali Cup was a worthy celebration for comeback hooker Lindsey Stevens after his 10-month absence from MLR.
His five minutes off the bench against San Diego is just the start after the slog back to full fitness from major knee surgery.
"There were some dark times but it's very satisfying to be back and feeling no problems with the knee," Stevens said.
Drinking from the cup was a change-up to his initiation on debut for Belmont Shore Rugby Club just a week earlier.
"I had to 'shoot the boot' after the game by drinking a beer out of my boot. It must be one of the club traditions. I just wish I had a newer pair of Asics," Stevens said with a laugh.
"It was great to experience club rugby in LA. You get an appreciation that club players really see playing for the Giltinis as an achievable goal."
STAT ATTACK
(v San Diego Legion)
Ball carries: Billy Meakes 18, Joe Taufete'e 13, Jordan Trainor 10
Running Metres Gained: Billy Meakes 118, Joe Taufete'e 56, Jordan Trainor 53
Defenders Beaten: Billy Meakes 3
Tackles: Luke Burton 13, Harrison Goddard 12, Christian Poidevin 11
Ruck and Maul Arrivals: Christian Poidevin 37, Nathan Den Hoedt 31
Season Try-scoring: Hanco Germishuys 4
Courtesy: Mobii
MEDICAL ROOM
Adam Ashe - Backrower (neck)
Angus Cottrell - Backrower (knee)
John Ryberg - Winger (hamstring)
Luke Carty - Flyhalf (pectoral muscle)
Matt Giteau - Flyhalf (calf)
Langilangi Haupeakui - Backrower (knee)
DTH van der Merwe - Winger (knee)
Brooklyn Hardaker - Winger (knee)
The Giltinis face the Seattle Seawolves at Starfire Stadium, outside Seattle, at 3pm (PST) on Saturday. The match will be broadcast live on Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports West in Los Angeles. The match can also be viewed live on The Rugby Network internationally.
Major League Rugby Stories from March 25, 2022
- SeaWolves Bolster Backs with Former Legion Playmaker and Eagle No. 420 Enosa - Seattle Seawolves
- Versatility the Key for Giltinis in Seattle - LA Giltinis
- Old Glory DC Announces Margy Dessypris Thomas as the 2022 Old Glory DC With Her Award Recipient - Old Glory DC
- Ruck and Roll: Djustice Ready for Noisy Seattle Welcome - LA Giltinis
- MLR Grassroots: San Diego Legion, High School Development - San Diego Legion
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