September 29- Arizona will put the program's undefeated preseason record to the test this weekend as their Third XV travels to Flagstaff to take on Northern Arizona in the return match of their two-match series. The Wildcats have named a very similar lineup to the one that defeated NAU 37-10 two weeks ago, with a few new faces in the team that will look to show their skills against the Lumberjacks.

​

In the front row, Loosehead Chaz Huntsman earns the start, sliding Jack Keys to tighthead while Chris McBride joins them at Hooker. An unchanged back five of the scrum featuring Captain Carter Harris returns while Openside Flanker Alex Rayton makes his first start as a Wildcat. "Looking forward to seeing how this group of Forwards takes the next step. Did some good things in their first go, but identified a number of areas that needed work, and I know they'll focus on those" said Head Coach Sean Duffy. 

​

In the backline, a mostly unchanged group gets the starting nods with a bit of reshuffling in the halbacks as Kristian Sanchez starts at Flyhalf and Brody Wainwright shifts to Inside Center. Tristan Wallace earns his first start on the right wing after a strong performance two weeks ago. "Dynamic and balanced group. The Nor Can duo of Fulton and Thomas have really been picking things up, and Kampton's run lines in training have really been impressive" said Duffy. Tanner Davison looks to continue his strong form from last matchup where he scored a double and set up a third to earn man of the match.

​

A number of players are ready if called upon in the reserves, as Sanjar Gybyrov, Ryan Thompson, and Steven Benson provide cover in the tight five. Ian Hooks and Riley Kerr are ready if called upon in the back row, while Koto Fujimura is ready at Scrumhalf if needed. Jaime Cuesta and Nick Taylor provide cover on the outside and look to make an impact as reserves in the game.

​

​

NAU Lineup (click for bio)

1- Chaz Huntsman

2- Chris McBride

3- Jack Keys

4- Austin Strehlow

5- Carter Harris

6- Daniel Hagan

7- Alex Rayton

8- Bobby McLalan

9- Tanner Davidson

10- Kristian Sanchez

11- Luke Kampton

12- Brody Wainwright

13- Kyle Fulton

14- Tristan Wallace

15- Jayme Thomas

--

16- Sanjar Gybyrov

17- Ryan Thompson

18- Steven Benson

19- Ian Hooks

20- Riley Kerr

21- Koto Fujimura

22- Jaime Cuesta

23- Nick Taylor

​

​