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It was another exciting week in Major League Rugby and we finally had our first double-digits differential though even that game was enthralling from a fan’s perspective. Toronto got their historic first ever win, NOLA proved themselves the team to beat, and Houston will be kicking themselves for blowing a late lead. This week’s selection features players from all six teams who took part over the weekend.
1 – Hubert Buydens (NOLA Gold) While his countrymen were having scrum problems on another continent, the veteran Canadian was reminding Tim Metcher that he still has some tricks up his sleeves. Buydens was also prominent in the loose both as a ball carrier and problem solver in the rucks.
2 – Pat O’Toole (Houston SaberCats) A couple lineout throws were picked off but the majority found their target. It was his work rate in the loose over 80 minutes of effort that earns him a spot as the SaberCats pushed the Legion to the limit.
3 – Morgan Mitchell (Toronto Arrows) Presented a credible entry for ‘worst pass of the season’ but was otherwise a man possessed for the Arrows. Absolutely clobbered Austin in the scrum and had numerous carries over the gainline. Toronto are truly spoiled for choice in the front row.
4 – Ignacio Dotti (NOLA Gold) Gave the Gold exactly what they were hoping for in his official MLR debut. Strong in the set piece and a willing carrier. Even got himself a cheeky try almost identical to the one he scored against Canada. Louis Stanfill made a nuisance of himself in San Diego.
5 – Api Naikatini (Seattle Seawolves) A dominant figure around the pitch, his ball carrying in particular was outstanding. Scored one try popping up off Phil Mack’s hip and created a second with an offload to Kellen Gordon. Austin’s Ben Mitchell was quality though ultimately defeated.
6 – Travis Larsen (Austin Elite) Played at No8 but earned his spot with an industrious effort for the Elite. Got stuck into just about everything. Chased kicks, carried into traffic, and slowed ball down at the breakdown. Stood out in a pack that was largely second best against Toronto.
7 – Brad Tucker (Seattle Seawolves) The trend last year was flanker-sized locks. This year it seems to be lock-sized flankers. Tucker actually switched to lock later in the game but played the entire first half as an openside and made a big impression in attack and defense. His yellow card was ill-advised but we’ll forgive him on account of his impact otherwise.
8 – Riekert Hattingh (Seattle Seawolves) Ball in hand is where the South African shines and where he caused big problems for the NOLA defense. If he wasn’t breaking through tackles he was freeing his arms for the offload. Picked up the bonus point try and also a reliable target in the lineout.
9 – Holden Yungert (NOLA Gold) Runner-up for the last two weeks, he couldn’t be denied this time. Quick and accurate service kept his team on the front foot and he picked his spots to attack the fringes. Marcelo Torrealba was the key attacking figure for Austin, the Chilean racing away for a superb solo try.
10 – Joe Pietersen (San Diego Legion) A class player who never looks panicked. Despite trailing for 78 minutes he kept his nerve and when the moment came he created the game-winning try. It’s hard to overstate his value to San Diego.
11 – Josua Vici (Houston SaberCats) It didn’t take long to remind everyone of his talent. Only desperate defense kept him from scoring in the opening moments and he could not be stopped on his second opportunity. Houston will be wishing they got Vici the ball more often. Nate Augspurger looked hungry when he came on and eventually got the winning try for San Diego.
12 – Spencer Jones (Toronto Arrows) Stood out on both sides of the ball against Austin. Bumped off his opposite and put Avery Oitomen into the corner in the first half, and his huge kick downfield created the winning score for his captain. Earned a vital turnover with a choke tackle in the second half. Looks a real find for the Arrows.
13 – Taylor Howden (NOLA Gold) It was hard to leave out Toronto’s Dan Moor who led by example playing both at outside center and on the wing. Howden must have his due, however, for another excellent effort in the NOLA midfield. Stepped inside Ben Cima to score a critical try and then put Tristan Blewett into the corner with a huge cut-out pass.
14 – Tristan Blewett (NOLA Gold) Has been nothing short of sensational this season and he has now walked into all three of our selections. Plucked a high ball out of the skies, timed a kick-chase perfectly to earn three points, and then turned on the jets to guarantee a conversion on his try.
15 – JP Eloff (NOLA Gold) Left out of the Eagles squad for the ARC, Gary Gold might be reconsidering after his displays to start the season. What he lacks in height he makes up for with speed and guile. His 6-for-6 kicking off the tee wasn’t half bad either.
