With their backs against the wall, the San Diego Legion controlled the match from the start with three tries in the first half and four more in the second half of their 50-5 win over Old Glory DC to keep their playoff hopes alive going into the final day of the season.
They put pressure on the Seattle Seawolves, who they now lead by four points, for the final playoff spot in Major League Rugby’s Western Conference. The Seawolves, a longtime rival of San Diego since the inception of MLR in 2018, will host the Miami Sharks in the league’s final regular season match on Sunday at 6 p.m.
San Diego captain and number 8 player Brad Wilkin scored a season-high three tries in the 17th, 75th and 80th minutes. He almost had another try in the first half, but a TMO review overturned the score.
The Legion also scored on a penalty try in the 22nd minute and left wing Rhian Stowers scored the third try in the 32nd minute. In the second half, fly-half Steffan Crimp scored the bonus point-clinching try in the 41st minute and another penalty try was awarded in the 71st minute.
San DIego played down a player for 20 minutes from the 37th minute to the 57th minute after lock Zak Farrance was given a red card for head contact.
Junior Time-Tautau, making his second appearance and first at home with the Legion, left the match with an apparent injury in the 16th minute. Marcel Brache replaced him for the remainder of the match. Connor Tupai left the match in the 50th minute with an apparent head injury, and he also did not return.
Fly-half Steffan Crimp made both of his attempted conversions and made 1 of 2 penalty kicks. Fullback Ethan Grayson made 2 of 3 conversions.
Old Glory already had their playoff spot clinched and with their only question being whether they would play as the No. 3 or 4 seed with the Sharks who play in Seattle on Sunday.
Up next: If the Legion were to qualify for the playoffs, they would face the West’s No. 1 seed Utah Warriors on the road next week on either Saturday, June 14 or Sunday, June 15. With their best possible finish as the No. 4 seed in the West, the Legion will not play again at home this season.