MLR Team of the Week – Round 4

A change in fortunes was the theme for two established teams in the 4th week of the 2020 Major League Rugby season. The 2018 finalists – Seattle and Colorado (formerly Glendale) – were a combined 0-6 coming in and both earned resounding victories. Meanwhile San Diego and Toronto extended their unbeaten run to four games. This week’s selection saw several players demanding inclusion with standout performances, particularly in the backs.

1 – Rob Brouwer (Toronto Arrows) It was only a second-half cameo but what an impression the veteran made in his first appearance of the season. Smashed into rucks and gave to relief to the ATL scrum whatsoever. The Arrows are well-stocked at loosehead, tighthead however is a bit lonely at the moment.

2 – Sean McNulty (New England Free Jacks) Noted for his mobility, the former Ireland u20 rake was like an extra flanker in the loose in Seattle. His running line and offload to Donald Brighouse for the opening score was top drawer. Offers something different to other Eagles candidates in the front row.

3 – Cole Keith (Toronto Arrows) Arguably the best performance of his young career. The 22-year-old somehow improved his conditioning between the World Cup and the start of the season and it is making a different in both the tight and the loose. It’s rare to see a tighthead at this level going 80 minutes with no drop in standards.

4 – Josh Larsen (New England Free Jacks) Relishing the leadership role given to him by Josh Smith as captain of the side. Larsen is never afraid to back himself in the lineout or at a pick and drive near the line. He was rewarded with a first half try against Seattle. On the other side of the pitch, Jérémy Lenaerts put in a huge shift for the Seawolves.

5 – Matt Jensen (Utah Warriors) Without his regular stablemate John Cullen, the big man put in a mighty effort for the Warriors. Jensen’s carrying in the lose is a real bonus along with his usual excellence in the set piece. Luke White deserves a tip of the cap for leading Colorado to their first win of the season.

6 – Hanco Germishuys (Rugby United New York) His first start in the pinstripes was a good one. Hanco’s trademark running style produced one huge line break down the wing and an intercept that ruined a Houston scoring opportunity. Other contenders included his opposite Luke Beauchamp and Toronto’s Tomás de la Vega.

7 – Nakai Penny (Seattle Seawolves) A complete performance from the Canadian flanker whose form surely demands a spot in the test side after being snubbed for the World Cup. Two storming tries, tackles, lineout wins, support play, it ran the full gamut. Vili Toluta’u might want to practice his throwing because Seattle’s openside spot is not up for grabs.

8 – Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (Old Glory DC) It’s taken him a couple games to really hit his stride, but the Eagles cap was at his thunderous best against Austin. Put in some heavy hits in defense and made hard yards with ball in hand. His tap-pass that created Doug Fraser’s try was a thing of beauty.

9 – JP Smith (Seattle Seawolves) After enduring a torrid evening against the Arrows, Smith rebounded with an excellent match against the Free Jacks. Scored two tries himself and marshaled the forwards to victory. Can likely attribute some of his resurgence to the return of his first choice halfback partner…

10 – Ben Cima (Seattle Seawolves) …speaking of whom, what a way to make an entrance. Cima’s first match of the year after recovering from a preseason head knock was a cracker. A perfect 8-from-8 off the tee for 19 points. His distribution kept the backline on the front foot.

11 – Leandro Leivas (Toronto Arrows) Powerful finishing against ATL produced two tries. Came off his wing looking for work and was rewarded with the first score, and he finished the second well down the left flank. Played a role in keeping Harley Davidson under wraps.

12 – Ma’a Nonu (San Diego Legion) Just another casual Saturday. Class distribution and found the energy to cross for two tries himself. Even had a couple kicks that worked out. Legion fans will be hoping he is fully fit for the upcoming match against New York. Sam Beard had a fine game for New England.

13 – Rene Ranger (Colorado Raptors) One would hardly know he sat out the previous match with a hamstring problem. Welcomed Dom Toluono to professional rugby with a shuddering tackle that will make year-end highlight reels. Completely shut down the outside channel and scored a pair of tries.

14 – Save Totovosau (San Diego Legion) Didn’t get on the scoreboard this week but certainly made his presence felt. Ran a perfect support line on Joe Pietersen’s break to set up Nonu’s first try. Even when he doesn’t get the ball his reputation as a cross-kick target attracts defenders. Honorable mention to Utah’s Gannon Moore and Seattle’s first half menace Siti Tamaivena.

15 – Mason Emerson (Colorado Raptors) The ‘other’ Kiwi who jumped straight back into the Raptors backline after heading home for a family bereavement. Beat the first defender every time he touched the ball. The last time he got it, he ran through the entire Warriors team for a try.