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The most competitive weekend in Major League Rugby history made for some similarly difficult selections. In many cases little separated those selected from honorable mentions. Such parity only ads to the intrigue in what promises to be a captivating race towards the playoffs. There are still 11 regular season games each to play yet in some cases we are already nearing do-or-die scenarios.
1 – James Rochford (Rugby United New York) There may be some questions over the legality of his scrummaging but that’s why they’re referred to as the ‘dark arts.’ As it happened Rochford got the better of Paul Mullen and certainly did his part in the trenches as RUNY defended their line ferociously in San Diego. Seattle’s Djustice Sears-Duru was considered for his carrying and scrum work against Utah.
2 – Tiaan Erasmus (Austin Gilgronis) A two-try performance in the historic win over Houston. Erasmus has stepped up this season and was at the heart of a committed Austin pack. He earns his place ahead of New York skipper Dylan Fawsitt.
3 – Kalolo Tuiloma (Utah Warriors) The big man made some impact upon checking in with a half-hour to play in regulation. Tuiloma powered over from the back of a maul for a try himself, then drove the scrum to a penalty try that set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Dino Waldren was in good form for NOLA.
4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) Another impressive outing for the South African who seems to do everything well. His work rate in an 80-minute shift against Old Glory was exemplary. Conor Kindregan was a physical force for New England, with John Cullen also in the mix after leading the Warriors to a stunning win at Seattle.
5 – Joshua Furno (San Diego Legion) Sunday’s man-of-the-match effort was the Italian’s finest outing in a Legion jersey. Furno dominated the lineout and made a nuisance of himself in the tight-loose without conceding cheap penalties. His storming try clinched the hard-fought victory over New York.
6 – Nikola Bursic (NOLA Gold) A dominant figure in the contact area with some crunching hits and his usual hard-nosed ball carrying. Had the awareness to attack the short side against the flow and crash over for a try before halftime. Utah’s Bailey Wilson is a young man growing in confidence who impressed against the Seawolves.
7 – Matt Heaton (Rugby ATL) Among the closest calls this week. Heaton was a titan in defense for ATL, with two thumping tackles on Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz early in the game setting the tone. He won a key turnover at the breakdown that nearly inspired a last-gasp scoring opportunity. His opposite Mungo Mason and Austin’s Moe Abdelmonem were also outstanding.
8 – Riekert Hattingh (Seattle Seawolves) Also challenging was picking the best of some big performances from the back of the scrum. Keni Nasoqeqe was in rampaging form for San Diego while Colorado’s Sam Slade went well against the Arrows. Hattingh nicks it with his two tries and strong set piece play though he will have been mightily disappointed with the end result.
9 – John Poland (New England Free Jacks) Old Glory’s Danny Tusitala lost marks for his yellow card in an otherwise impressive showing while Michael Baska stood out for the Warriors. Poland had one shaky pass that was intercepted but was otherwise quality, scoring two tries in the exciting contest against the Gold.
10 – Sam Windsor (Houston SaberCats) Perfect off the tee and again the central figure in Houston’s attacking game. He will have been hugely frustrated by his team’s mistakes that cost them the Texas Cup. Jason Robertson passing was very good for Old Glory but his kicking game wasn’t as sharp this week.
11 – Peter Tiberio (Seattle Seawolves) Didn’t get on the score-sheet this week but the veteran was an inspirational figure during his time on the field. Repeatedly came infield looking for work and made hard yards footwork and determination. ‘Tibs’ was curiously replaced shortly after halftime.
12 – Con Foley (NOLA Gold) The vice-captain was in top form against New England. His running lines were impeccable, either breaking himself or making space for others. A TMO might have awarded his almost-try at the end of a scintillating attack early in the second half.
13 – Tyler Fisher (Utah Warriors) Hadn’t quite hit his stride in MLR until this past weekend. A bruising effort on both sides of the ball. He finished well early in the second half and powered to within touching distance for Calvin Whiting’s game-winner. Carl Meyer was another difference-maker for NOLA.
14 – Declan O’Donnell (Old Glory DC) Lurked menacingly on the right wing but also came looking for work, as evidenced by his cracking try under the posts. O’Donnell has started his MLR career in impressive fashion and should now be a marked man by opposition defenses.
15 – Dylan Taikato-Simpson (Old Glory DC) Hasn’t had as many open field opportunities this season with teams understandably hesitant to kick in his direction. DTS reminded them why with a brilliant wrap-around move that set up Tusitala’s try. He also scored his first of the season late in the first half.
