MLR Team of the Week – Round 1

The first week of the season is in the books and there was a real diversity of good and bad. With a full compliment of six games there was competition at every spot though some were effectively automatic selections. Those who went well at No8 were at a particular disadvantage given the outstanding performance of the one we selected.

1 – Matt Harmon (NOLA Gold) What a start for the Gold, and a statement of intent from the All-American prospect. Beefed up and zeroing in on what looks to be his best position, Harmon won the scrum battle in decisive fashion and kept up his usual work rate in the loose.

2 – Dean Muir (San Diego Legion) A tip of the cap to Diego Fortuny, who put in 80 minutes of graft just a few days after arriving in Houston from Argentina. Muir gets the spoils, however, for his clinical set piece work for the Legion. His two tries won’t go down as classics but those are the kinds of efforts that win championships – as the Seawolves can attest.

3 – Cole Keith (Toronto Arrows) A close call with a shout-out to SaberCats anchor Charlie Connolly. Toronto humiliated the admittedly weakened Austin scrum with their young Canadian international in top form. Keith also put in a few strong carries and got stuck into the wars in the tight-loose.

4 – Mike Sheppard (Toronto Arrows) The Arrows tight five were in complete control against the Gilgronis with their talisman picking up where he left off in 2019. Sheppard carried hard, made several thumping tackles, and put in a full shift in less than ideal conditions.

5 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) It was a bit of a slow start for the newcomers but once they found their feet the ATL pack started motoring. Momsen is a classic lock, similar to Sheppard, who puts his head down and does the business. He had a few tricks up his sleeve though, including a lovely offload from the deck that sent Marno Redelinghuys clear for the game-winning try.

6 – Moni Tonga’uiha (NOLA Gold) Initially signed as a center two years ago, he needed some seasoning work with Life West before returning to the Gold after the start of the 2019 campaign. His growth since has been remarkable. Tonga’uiha was ubiquitous against Old Glory, scoring two tries and tearing up the pitch in a performance nearly as impressive as his back row mate.

7 – Matt Heaton (Rugby ATL) Huge engine, he slowed the ball down ensuring that Utah had penalty kicks instead of tries. Rewarded with a try himself on a lineout drive. Both opensides in San Diego – Psalm Wooching and Nakai Penny – were quality for their respective sides.

8 – Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold) With no international obligations until season’s end the Gold have Dolan from start to finish and could not be happier. He was near unstoppable off the back of the scrum against Old Glory, scoring three tries and coming within inches on two other occasions. New England’s Brad Hemopo was outstanding on debut and would have earned selection were it not for Dolan’s brilliance.

9 – Duncan van Schalkwyk (Rugby ATL) His goal kicking wasn’t so hot, but otherwise DvS was central to ATL’s revival against Utah. Kept the defense guessing and grabbed a try with a nifty show-and-go that left Utah with too much ground to make up. Nate Augspurger was in good form for San Diego while Marcelo Torrealba was the pick of the Gilgronis.

10 – Sam Windsor (Houston SaberCats) Uncharacteristically missed all three conversions but made up for it with two penalty goals and a try. His game management ensured Colorado were reaching for points. Not the greatest week for flyhalves in general.

11 – Mitch Wilson (New England Free Jacks) Got the nod over Eagles cap Deion Mikesell to start and justified the selection with a fine performance. Scored the first MLR try in franchise history early in the game and put Beaudein Waaka into the corner with a short pass on the wrap-around.

12 – Ma’a Nonu (San Diego Legion) Strong showings from fellow Houston’s Tiaan Loots, New England’s Sam Beard, and ATL’s Ryan Nell among others, but there can be only one. Nonu proved he is not just here for a victory lap with a classy performance in every aspect. Smashed his opposite with a thumping tackle and his distribution was sublime. A commanding presence from the start.

13 – Carl Meyer (NOLA Gold) Played both center and fullback during the game and his performance was such that he demanded inclusion. Didn’t score any tries was in the middle of several and added 11 points with the boot. Matías Freyre also impressed on debut for the SaberCats.

14 – Save Totovosau (San Diego Legion) Wingers across MLR were somewhat starved of opportunities. Totovosau was no exception but made the most of what he was given. His charging run down the sidelines was an extraordinary finish, while the kick-chase pinned Seattle in their end and resulted in a turnover and a decisive try.

15 – Beaudein Waaka (New England Free Jacks) Brought in to bring something extra to the backline and he delivered that in spades. Scored two tries himself and his brilliant chip and chase created one of the best tries of the weekend.