Denver Barbarians take their Rugby Super League title hopes on the road for their second straight playoff match and third of the last four matches.  The Barbarians assault Travers Island, where New York Athletic Club (NYAC) opened their new complex last weekend.  The match kicks off at 3 pm EST, with the winner coming to Denver next weekend for the RSL Finals at Glendale’s Infinity Park.

NYAC, the top seed in the RSL, escaped a late rally to defeat San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club last weekend in New York.  The Barbarians, the RSL 5th seed, sacked Charlotte last weekend with a 32-0 opening half onslaught, withstood a late match counterattack, and won 39-24.

Both sides sport some legitimate stars of US Rugby.  NYAC scrumhalf Mike Petri joins Barbarian lock John Van der Giessen on the upcoming Churchill Cup squad for their test matches in June.  Barbarians prop Chris Moreno and #8 Pat Quinn have been named to the USA Selects, along with NYAC’s flyhalf Chris Mayo to take on the England Counties squad at New York’s Columbia University on June 6th and 9th.  The Barbarians also field former USA capped players, lock Mike Mangan, flyhalf Link Wilfley, and scrumhalf Tyson Meek.

By all accounts, NYAC plays a disciplined and team oriented game, fully capable of stout defense, and offensive firepower.  This pattern served NYAC well when SFGG broke down last weekend in the first half.  NYAC took a 12-0 lead on four Luke Milton (outside center) first half penalty kicks.  NYAC scored a converted second half try to lead 19-0 before SFGG blasted back with two late converted tries. 

In the game of comparative scores, the Barbarians also defeated SFGG earlier this season 16-13 in a late comeback.  NYAC lost to Belmont Shore 32-20 at home, while Denver beat Semi-Finalist Belmont Shore 27-24 on opening day in Long Beach, snapping their 23-match home winning streak.  Both teams hammered Washington (NYAC 62-19 and Denver 107-0). 

In the other Semi-Final Belmont Shore hosts Chicago Lions in Long Beach.  Both sides had lopsided victories in their Quarterfinal matches last weekend.  Belmont Shore spanked Boston Irish Wolfhounds in California, 36-8, while the Lions mauled Boston Rugby Club 49-15 in Boston.  NYAC defeated the Lions 3 weeks ago in Chicago 8-5 in a rainstorm.

Denver has a strong forward unit as does NYAC.  Both teams have strong halfbacks and outside backs that have the ability to break down defenses.  This should be a great match between two squads that focus on team play and ball possession. 

DENVER BARBARIANS:  1 Chris Moreno, 2 Tim Russo, 3 Mike Landau, 4 John Van der Giessen, 5 Mike Mangan, 6 Adam Drury, 7 Andrew Post, 8 Pat Quinn, 9 Tyson Meek, 10 Link Wilfley, 11 Mark Bokhoven, 12 Jake Humphrey, 13 David Yavala, 14 Mark Crovelli, 15 Dan Bludeau, 16 Kyle Fenton, 17 Mike Kelley, 18 Fernando Alvarez (non-resident), 19 Garrett Peterson, 20 Jody Kramer, 21 Ross Kantor, 22 Ben Haapapuro.

Head Coach:  Dave Hodges

NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB: Not available at press time.

Coaches:  Mike Tolkin and Bruce McClain

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