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The second week of the new Major League Rugby season was a mixed bag in terms of performance. Some teams have adjusted to the restart more rapidly while others are still stuck in preseason mode. Individually it was one for the forwards, with hooker and lock particularly difficult to choose. Remarkably two players who scored hat tricks did not quite make it in which is a reflection of the intense competition for spots!
1 – Jamie Mackintosh (Austin Gilgronis) The big man was a central figure in the Gilgronis pack that largely had the better of their opposites. Scored a try from close range that on a different day might have been the game-winner. Could only watch as his team failed to close out the game after he was subbed off.
2 – Mike Sosene-Feagai (Old Glory DC) Utah’s Sama Malolo and Seattle debutante James Malcolm scored two and three tries respectively. Both could have justifiably been selected, but we’ve opted for Sosene-Feagai after his tremendous performance helped Old Glory score a come-from-behind win over Rugby ATL in the Segra Field opener.
3 – Erich de Jager (New England Free Jacks) Defense set the platform for the shutout win over Houston and de Jager was right in the middle of it with sterling work around the fringes and even a fine turnover at the breakdown in the first half. Steven Longwell put in a shift for DC, while on the other side Manasa Saulo looked mighty in a debut cameo for Rugby ATL.
4 – Aston Fortuin (Utah Warriors) This was a tough one with San Diego’s Ben Mitchell also high on our list. ATL star Johan Momsen was another consideration and he was surprisingly switched to No8 at halftime. Fortuin was a workhorse on both side of the ball for Utah who turned over Toronto with surprising ease.
5 – Kyle Baillie (NOLA Gold) It was tempting to include the rampaging Luke White who was loving his try-scoring LA Giltinis debut against Seattle. In the end it was the more traditional hard-hitting defense and leadership of the Canadian enforcer that got the nod. Welcomed Samu Tawake to MLR with a belter of a tackle early on that set the tone.
6 – Angus Cottrell (LA Giltinis) Casually went about his business in the middle of an efficient LA pack. Made his two tries look easy. It was almost out of boredom that he copped a flagrant yellow card in the second half, but we’ll allow it based on his positive impact otherwise.
7 – Joe Johnston (New England Free Jacks) The two ‘JJs’ in New England’s back row are keeping fans and commentators on their toes this season. It was Johnston with a ‘t’ who caught our eye against Houston. He was a menace at the breakdown and won two turnovers on goal line stands in the first half that left the SaberCats scoreless despite having a two-man advantage.
8 – Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (Old Glory DC) Apparently not bothered at all by the lack of a preseason. ‘JFS’ is off to a storming start to the campaign. He followed his eye-catching effort from Week 1 with another outstanding match, earning hard yards and providing his usual punishing defense.
9 – Danny Tusitala (Old Glory DC) Started the game in the No10 shirt but switched to his preferred scrumhalf role just a couple minutes into the second half. In the absence of Jason Robertson it was Tusitala who provided the game-changing moments for DC to overcome ATL. A tip of the cap to Harrison Goddard for his hat trick though it was undoubtedly an armchair ride behind the dominant LA forwards.
10 – Hagen Schulte (Utah Warriors) Pinned the Arrows in their end with some outstanding tactical kicking. Contributed 14 points from the tee including a sensational 55+ meter penalty that might be the longest in MLR history. Mack Mason played well for a frustrating Austin side.
11 – Ryan James (LA Giltinis) Wingers on the left side of the pitch didn’t have as much success this week for whatever reason. James though gave a good account of himself in his first professional start, and his team’s dominance allowed him to grow into the game. Scored a nice try in support of Adam Ashley-Cooper and came off his wing looking for work when it was on.
12 – Bautista Ezcurra (Rugby ATL) One loopy pass in the first half aside, a strong contribution to the visitors at Segra Field. Had multiple line breaks using his footwork both straight up the middle, and also once out wide. Bill Meakes had a great start for LA before leaving the game early with an injury.
13 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (LA Giltinis) There’s still some life left in the old legs. Ashley-Cooper was a dominant figure in the LA midfield, whether taking on the line or handing the ball off to others. Scored a try on a charge-down and offloaded from the deck to send James in at the corner.
14 – Joeli Tikoisuva (NOLA Gold) The first name on the team sheet this week. Enjoyed a career best day for the Gold as he tormented New York, pouncing on every error to score two intercept tries and create another against the run of play for Damian Stevens. ‘JoJo’ added a proper round-the-corner finish to complete his hat trick.
15 – Dougie Fife (New England Free Jacks) New England were missing Beaudein Waaka this week but didn’t miss a beat with Fife sliding to fullback. He scored two highlight-reel tries, one a length-of-the-field breakaway and another that showed off his soccer skills as he guided the bouncing ball to the try line with his boot.
