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The reduction from six games to four in Week 3 made selection time slightly less complicated, though there will still some tough calls. Flanker was particularly difficult with multiple candidates at either spot. Four players are making their second appearance of the season, including one who makes the grade at a second position.
1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL) Defense was a the heart of ATL’s success once again and their young Eagles loosehead was up in the double digits in tackles. The set piece also went well enough, and Wenglewski came only a few seconds short of another 80 minute effort. Jamie Mackintosh was again quality for Austin though the referee did not see eye to eye with Whoppa at scrum time.
2 – Mason Koch (Austin Gilgronis) A round of applause is due the youngster, who bounced back from a deflating loss to San Diego with an outstanding 80-minute effort in the Texas Cup. His two tries scored may have been team efforts but they were also just rewards for his overall contributions in just his third MLR match.
3 – Erich de Jager (New England Free Jacks) Two selections in a row for the subtle but effective South African. Challenged at the breakdown and put in his share of tackles. Also came out on top of a fun scrum battle against countryman Franco van den Berg. Mason Pedersen made an impact for the AG’s in a 30-minute cameo against Houston.
4 – Sebastian de Chaves (Austin Gilgronis) Stepped in as captain this week in the absence of Bryce Campbell and led from the front. A beacon in the lineout and rock solid in defense. Deservedly lifted the Texas Cup after blanking the SaberCats.
5 – Josh Larsen (New England Free Jacks) Has thrived in his leadership role with the Free Jacks. The preferred target for Pieter Jansen and a nuisance on Utah’s throw-in. Likely owes Ronan McCusker a pint after the replacement, not Larsen, was binned for an offense he had no part in.
6 – Lance Williams (Utah Warriors) Another tireless performance in tandem with captain Bailey Wilson. Williams as usual was his team’s busiest both in carries and tackles. His excellence was only just enough, however, to fend off the equally deserving Tomás da la Vega of the Arrows and Austin’s own tackle machine Dom Bailey.
7 – Lucas Rumball (Toronto Arrows) Last week’s choice Joe Johnston was again impressive for New England, and ATL’s Matt Heaton was difficult to leave out. Passing over Rumball was impossible after his titanic shift in defense against Old Glory. Along with de la Vega made the breakdowns a nightmare for DC.
8 – Manuel Diana (Toronto Arrows) A little quiet to start the campaign but seemed to snap back into life at halftime in the Utah game. Against Old Glory he was at his running best from start to finish. Diana went head-to-head with our choice of the last two weeks Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz and came out on top, though the DC man also had his moments.
9 – Pele Cowley (Austin Gilgronis) Not the type of flashy performance that normally gets halfbacks picked but Cowley was hugely influential in Austin’s victory. Commanded the forwards and picked his moments to distribute. His cut-out pass put Rodrick Waters in for a try. Ross Braude also impressed on debut for the Arrows.
10 – Bautista Ezcurra (Rugby ATL) Our inside center last week, and our flyhalf this week. Ezcurra is a gifted footballer whose tactical kicking gave San Diego fits. Attacked the line well and kept the Legion’s defense guessing. Harrison Boyle looked more settled for New England this week, and Tayler Adams was a calming presence for Toronto.
11 – Mark O’Keeffe (Rugby ATL) His two tries were meat and drink for a winger but the Irishman also made a couple other strong breaks of his own accord. Josh Whippy was a consideration after his brilliant try for the Warriors, while on the other side Dougie Fife continues to be all class for the Free Jacks.
12 – Robbie Petzer (Rugby ATL) No discussion needed here. Petzer made one break through the midfield but it was his goal kicking that put ATL way out ahead of San Diego. Only one of nine kicks off the tee eluded him with a final tally of 21 points.
13 – Ben LeSage (Toronto Arrows) Like Diana, the Arrows co-captain lined up opposite his main competition and DC counterpart Thretton Palamo. LeSage scored one try himself and created two others, all with incisive running lines. A big part of Toronto’s rush defense that closed down Old Glory.
14 – Mike Te’o (Utah Warriors) Won’t have enjoyed being faked by Boyle that led to a try for Fife, but otherwise Te’o was a menace for the Free Jacks defense. Wriggled and rolled through on a couple occasions, and secured an important bonus point with a bit of individual brilliance at full-time.
15 – Rory van Vugt (Rugby ATL) Not only did he stay in the game after badly dislocating a thumb early on, he produced a superb effort on both sides of the ball. His miss-out put Te Rangatira Waitokia in for a try, and van Vugt’s boot combined with Ezcurra meant that ATL controlled field position. Dylan Audsley was the best of a disappointing Legion side.
