Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds are set to face the Utah Warriors in a pivotal Major League Rugby matchup. The fixture, scheduled for Saturday night, concludes the team's west-coast trip and will be broadcast live on Fox Chicago+ and ESPN+.

Head Coach Chris Latham unveiled his 23-man lineup, introducing an entirely new front row: Zurabi Zhvania, Dylan Fawsitt, and Ignacio Peculo replace Fakaosifolau Pifeleti, Janus Venter, and Charlie Abel. In the reserves, Jackson Zabierek and Liam Fletcher maintain their positions, while Koby Baker joins as tighthead cover.

Mason Flesch will replace James Scott, making his first absence this season. Flesch partners with Hamish Bain, who secures his ninth start. Conall Boomer and Luke White are named on the substitute bench for relief duties.

Brad Tucker makes his first start as blindside flanker. Mac Jones resumes his place as openside flanker. Matt Oworu, a capped-Canadian international, continues at No. 8. With Captain Lucas Rumball resting, leadership duties on game day fall to Ollie Devoto.

Michael Baska resumes at scrumhalf, while Chris Hilsenbeck, returning to the starting XV, will manage flyhalf responsibilities in the absence of the suspended Tim Swiel. Mitch Short is back on the bench after a rest.

In midfield, Noah Flesch remains at inside center, and Devoto claims the No. 13 jersey as gameday captain. Nate Augspurger returns to the lineup, shifting Mark O’Keeffe to the right wing, his third start of the season. O’Keeffe is coming off scoring his first try of the year against Seattle.

Michael Hand II continues as fullback, with Adriaan Carelse on hand if required from the bench. Noah Brown, wearing the No. 23 jersey, starts on the bench for the first time.

The match takes place at Zions Bank Stadium at 8:00 PM central, showcasing live on television and available for streaming.