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Rugby ATL met expectations during their brief expansion run. Though they finished with a losing record, only one of three defeats was by greater than three points. Committed defense was their greatest asset with the fourth-least points conceded though their offensive output was the lowest in the East.
2020 RECORD: 2-3 (5th East, 6th overall)
HEAD COACH: It’s the second year in charge for Scott Lawrence who doubles as General Manager. Also back is forwards coach Blake Bradford but there is a new influencer on the attack with former Super Rugby flyhalf and Colorado Raptors coach Stephen Brett joining the team.
CAPTAIN: There is continuity in the on-field leadership roles as well. Canadian flanker Matt Heaton skippered the team during the preseason. He will share the duties with Ryan Nell once the South Africa Sevens international recovers fully from a knee injury suffered in Super Rugby.
STAR PLAYER: Former Jaguares center and five-time Pumas cap Bautista Ezcurra adds dynamism to the attack and a good left boot. The question is where will he play? Ezcurra could conceivably line up anywhere from flyhalf to fullback. ATL’s best player during the preseason.
KEY DEPARTURE: Johan Momsen and Marno Redelinghuys return but the most experienced of the three South African locks, Stefan Willemse, does not. He added considerable grunt last season and hasn’t really been replaced. Redelinghuys instead shifts from blindside flanker to the second row.
SMART SIGNING: Originally signed by the Dallas Jackals, Robbie Petzer was one of the most highly sought-after players in the dispersal draft. In the end he joins ATL on a long-term contract. Petzer is a potent long-range kicker and a multi-skilled attacker. Inside center is his best spot, but could also play flyhalf or even fullback.
ONE TO WATCH: With Eric Fry and Olive Kilifi stepping out of the international picture, Chance Wenglewski is on the short list of options for the USA’s No1 shirt. His size and athleticism tick the boxes but at just 23 years old he still has some maturing to do as a player. His scrum progress will be closely scrutinized by visiting tightheads.
STRENGTHS: The first thing that pops out is the backline. With everyone fit there will be strong players on the bench. Youth is another attribute with only two players over 30 years of age. There is continuity on the roster and competition for spots, particularly in the back row.
CONCERNS: While the backs are covered, the tight five does not have the same strength in depth depth. The loss of both Jamie Ferrante and Julian Montes hurts the front row while Mike Matarazzo is the only new lock, a collegiate draft pick who might be more suited to the back row.
OUTLOOK: The relative inexperience of this team allows for plenty of room to grow over the course of the season and into next year. ATL’s high-flying backline will make for some exciting contests particularly against teams in the West. There are more muscular packs in the East, however, which will prove more challenging. Look for similar results in their sophomore campaign.
