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The Utah Warriors are 2-0. The Warriors backed-up their opening round win against the Austin Gilgronis this evening. In their round two Major League Rugby fixture, Utah were 39-24 winners over the Toronto Arrows. The home side were in control for the majority of the contest.
39 points is the most conceded by the Toronto Arrows. It is three more than the previous mark of 36 points conceded against NOLA Gold in 2019. That was the Arrows’ MLR debut match.
The Utah Warriors held the lead for the full 80 minutes. Their lead was established early on. Hagen Schulte slotted two early penalties, one of which was from long range. Tayler Adams hit-back for the Toronto Arrows. His 22nd minute penalty was the only first half score for the Arrows.
Tries to hooker Sama Malolo and flanker Lance Williams put the Utah Warriors into a commanding half-time lead. The sluggish Toronto Arrows had no response to the home side who were up 20-3 at the interval.
Early in the second half the two tries to zero lead became three. Malolo powered over for his second try. He was both the creator and the finisher. Having made a clean break, Malolo was brought to ground. He subsequently scored two phases later for the Utah Warriors. With the conversion Utah were ahead 27-3 and looking assured of victory.
Toronto responded to Malolo’s 52nd minute try. The Canadian side crossed for back-to-back tries. Adams scored the first and Jason Higgins the second. All of a sudden the Utah Warriors’ lead had been cut to 10 points.
Any speculation of a fight-back was ended by Mike Te’o. The Utah Warriors captain gave his side the bonus point try. The score also meant that the home side were leading 32-17. When Fraser Hurst scored the result was beyond doubt. Yet, the Arrows fought back to claim a late try to Uruguayan No8 Manuel Diana.
Both teams will be in action again next weekend. The Utah Warriors have an away match against the New England Free Jacks. The Toronto Arrows will also play on the road. The Canadian MLR franchise will take on Old Glory DC.
SCORING
UTAH 39
Tries – S. Malolo 2 (31’, 45’), L. Williams (38’), M. Te’o (62’), F. Hurst (70’)
Cons – H. Schulte 4/5 (32’, 39’, 46’, 63’)
Pens – H. Schulte 2/2 (9’, 16’)
Drop goals – H. Schulte 0/1
Yellow cards – J. Mano (77′)
Red cards – J. Whippy (73’)
TORONTO 24
Tries – T. Adams (52’), J. Higgins (54’), M. Diana (79’)
Cons – T. Adams 3/3 (53’, 55’, 79’)
Pens – T. Adams 1/2 (23’)
TEAMS
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Franco van den Berg (17 Alex Tucci 65’), 2 Sama Malolo (16 Veremalua Vugakoto 53’), 3 Angus MacLellan (18 Olive Kilifi 71’), 4 Aston Fortuin, 5 Matt Jensen (19 James Mocke 75’), 6 Lance Williams, 7 Bailey Wilson (capt.) (20 Thomas Tu’avao 65’), 8 Jurie van Vuuren, 9 Michael Baska (21 Fraser Hurst 21’), 10 Hagen Schulte, 11 Josh Whippy, 12 Calvin Whiting (22 Sione Tau’ataina 75’), 13 Tyler Fisher, 14 Mike Te’o, 15 Cliven Loubser (23 Joseph Mano 69’)
TORONTO ARROWS
1 Pat Lynott (18 Tyler Rowland 55’), 2 Andrew Quattrin (16 Jack McRogers 71’), 3 Cole Keith, 4 Adrian Wadden, 5 Mike Sheppard (19 Kolby Francis 65’), 6 Tomás de la Vega, 7 Lucas Rumball (co-capt.) (20 Marcello Wainwright 73’), 8 Manuel Diana, 9 Jason Higgins (21 Andrew Ferguson 55’), 10 Tayler Adams, 11 Gastón Mieres (22 Manuel Montero HT), 12 Guiseppe du Toit (23 Patrick Parfrey 71’), 13 Ben LeSage (co-capt.), 14 Leandro Leivas, 15 Joaquín Tuculet
Not used: 17 Chris Atkinson
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Jack Gohl (Australia)
Assistants: Kahlil Harrison (USA) & Kage Green (USA)
