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Major League Rugby is back with a bang and that means our weekly selections are too. With a full load of six games there was more than enough action to find contenders, and based on the evidence there will be no shortage of names in the running at the end of the season. Without further adieu… our picks for the best of Week 1.
1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL) The Ratlers were under pressure in the scrum but elsewhere their young Eagles loosehead was impressive. Played all 80 minutes and helped stuff the Arrows attack on more than one goal-line stand. Oh and he also picked up an early try for good measure.
2 – Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York) Weathered a frantic opening in Las Vegas to steady the ship. In the second half he willed his charges over the line to score two tries and heaped misery on the San Diego scrum. Sama Malolo looked good for Utah but loses points for his early yellow card.
3 – Angus MacLellan (Utah Warriors) What a bonus for the Warriors to have both Paul Mullen and MacLellan at tighthead this season. Mullen missed the Austin game so MacLellan fronted up and then some, notably holding steady in a seven-man scrum when Malolo went off. He went 70-odd minutes before being spelled by Oli Kilifi.
4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) One sequence in the first half summed up his game. Took an attacking lineout off the top, then peeled around the midfield ruck to blast through a gap and send his teammate through with a one-handed offload. Followed the line break, hit a ruck, got up and drove low under the defense for a try. Picking up where he left off in 2020.
5 – Rhyno Herbst (Seattle Seawolves) Moved remarkably well for a man who looks like he’s spent a bit too long at the braai in the off-season. Cleared rucks, showed good hands, won lineouts, and picked up a try in the first half. Lost a little steam in the second half but a good first outing in MLR.
6 – Lance Williams (Utah Warriors) The Utah back row was everywhere and their defiance epitomised by Williams. Looks to be fully recovered from his knee injury. His try in the corner was sensational stuff. A nod as well to Connor Cook who made a nuisance of himself for in his ATL debut.
7 – Moe Abdelmonem (Austin Gilgronis) His men were under more pressure than expected but the Canadian openside gave every ounce of energy to the cause. Despite suffering what looked like a rib injury early on he threw himself into the breakdown and also bagged a well-earned try.
8 – Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (Old Glory DC) A towering performance in the middle of a superb OG loose forward trio. Carried strongly and linked well on attack, but it was his sensational defense including three turnovers that spoiled NOLA’s advances. Honorable mention to Utah’s Jurie van Vuuren.
9 – Danny Tusitala (Old Glory DC) Once again the class of the field. Rapid fire service from the base, some useful box kicks, and two tries scored. The second was a thing of beauty started and finished by Tusitala. New York’s Andy Ellis and Houston’s Jinho Mun also deserve recognition for fine outings.
10 – Jason Robertson (Old Glory DC) Can’t pick one without the other, at least not this week. Ensured that OG took points whenever they were on offer. His goal kicking this week was immaculate. No contest for this shirt, Robertson was in a class of his own.
11 – DTH van der Merwe (LA Giltinis) Could hardly have wished for a better opening to his MLR experience. Had two tries in the books within minutes of kickoff. Every time he was involved something happened. Zach Pangelinan did some serious sprinting for Houston.
12 – Will Leonard (Rugby United New York) Another angry Irishman who powered New York to victory. Has shed a couple pounds since the Bermuda Tens would have felt right at home in the wind. Thundered about in the midfield and scored tries in each half. Bill Meakes was a similar presence for LA.
13 – Veramu Dikidikilati (Houston SaberCats) Didn’t have a lot of opportunities with ball in hand but he sure made an impression in defense. Cut down every Seattle ball carrier that came close, including twice sending the much bigger Herbst man backwards.
14 – Paula Balekana (Houston SaberCats) Scored a glorious game-winning try on a set move capped with a picture-perfect swan dive. Also had a fine clearance from deep in his end to beyond halfway, and was rock solid in defense. Leandro Leivas was a standout for the Arrows.
15 – Glenn Bryce (LA Giltinis) This is going to be a contentious position all season with so many quality operators. Bryce didn’t have a highlight reel moment but cut down New England’s kicking options, put van der Merwe away for a slick try, and fought brilliantly to stay inbounds and set up the final LA score.
