The Seattle Seawolves’ South African adventure got off to a rocky start this weekend, as the reigning Major League Rugby champions absorbed a tough 45-14 defeat against a strong DHL Stormers selection at Cape Town’s iconic DHL Stadium.
Despite entering halftime with a respectable 17-7 deficit, the Seawolves couldn’t match the pace and precision of their United Rugby Championship opponents in the second half. The home side exploded for nine tries total, showcasing the kind of attacking rugby that has made South African teams feared worldwide.
For American rugby fans, this matchup represented a fascinating glimpse into how our MLR champions stack up against elite international competition. While the scoreline might look daunting, these cross-hemisphere friendlies are invaluable for raising the standard of rugby stateside.
The Seawolves managed to cross the try line twice, showing flashes of the form that helped them capture MLR glory. However, the physicality and speed of play in Cape Town clearly presented new challenges for the visiting Americans.
This preseason test marks an important step in MLR’s evolution, as our teams increasingly seek high-level international competition to sharpen their skills before the domestic season kicks off.
Original story via Americas Rugby News. Read more