MLR Team of the Week

There were more close matches this past weekend, with really only one that stood out as being uncompetitive. It makes for some tough choices and long may that continue. In some spots there were three and even four candidates. Four players make the cut for a second week in a row.

1 – Jamie Mackintosh (Austin Gilgronis) The set piece was the foundation of Austin’s win over ATL. Mackintosh made a nuisance of himself in the tight-loose as ever but seemed to be less conspicuous to the referee. Had a couple nice ‘reset’ carries and defended well on the fringes.

2 – Mahe Vailanu (LA Giltinis) Even better than last week. The Tongan dynamo was everywhere – ripping away possession in a tackle, linking in attack, and scoring two tries himself. One of the form players in MLR at the moment.

3 – Mason Pedersen (Austin Gilgronis) The other half of of Austin’s starting prop duo. Added a few strong carries and a couple punishing tackles to his core roles at the set piece.

4 – Dave Dennis (LA Giltinis) Second row partner Nathan Den Hoedt got the glory with a try on the end of a long-range move, but Dennis was the man doing the dirty work. LA’s lineout worked a treat and Dennis was the main target at the front for Vailanu.

5 – Isaac Ross (Austin Gilgronis) Completely dominated the lineout which included two critical steals on ATL attacking ball. Also grabbed a try from a maul. We’ll forgive him for the ill-conceived quick tap that would have been an easy three points for Mack Mason.

6 – Moni Tonga’uiha (NOLA Gold) Hadn’t quite been at his best until now. Tonga’uiha put in a huge number of carries that kept the Gold moving over the gainline. Also made a significant number of tackles with one key breakdown turnover.

7 – Lucas Rumball (Toronto Arrows) Speaking of form, the Arrows co-captain is red hot right now. Against Seattle he was all over the tackle area and deftly negotiated with the referee to stay in his good books. Psalm Wooching had several strong carries for the Legion and Benjamín Bonasso fared well playing out of position for New York.

8 – Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold) As usual a major presence in the lineout. Skipper for the day Dolan pips his opposite number, New England’s industrious Wian Conradie. Led from the front with his line break setting up the winning try from John Sullivan.

9 – Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis) After several honorable mentions there was no denying Goddard this week. A clear choice in our view. Never far from his forwards, he snagged two tries for himself with sniping runs from the breakdown.

10 – Dan Hollinshead (Rugby United New York) The most difficult choice of the week. Any of Houston’s Robbie Povey, New England’s Harrison Boyle, or Austin match winner Mack Mason could have been picked. Hollinshead’s overall play including 18 points was so influential that we had to pick him again.

11 – Manuel Montero (Toronto Arrows) Another repeat selection. This time it was all skill from the giant Argentine. Set up two tries directly with finishing passes to Ben LeSage and Jack McRogers. Honorable mention goes to NOLA’s Julián Domínguez and LA’s DTH van der Merwe.

12 – Patrick Parfrey (Toronto Arrows) Started at what is arguably his best position and fit in seamlessly in both attack and defense. Hard line put Parfrey in under the sticks for a try but he also distributed well to create space for the outside backs. Dylan Audsley was playing well for San Diego before being injured.

13 – Mark O’Keeffe (Rugby ATL) Ran like a man possessed against Austin, with multiple line breaks. The easiest of them resulted in a try. Has added power and pace to an ATL backline screaming with talent. Toronto’s Ben LeSage continued his hot streak of form but there was no overlooking O’Keeffe.

14 – Gastón Mieres (Toronto Arrows) Attack of the M’s on the right wing this week with San Diego’s Ryan Matyas, Utah’s Joe Mano, and Austin’s Conner Mooneyham also standouts. In the end it was Mooneyham or Mieres, and the Arrows man gets the nod after playing a big part in the dismantling of the Seawolves.

15 – Cecil Afrika (San Diego Legion) After something of a muted start to the season, Afrika exploded in the first minute against Utah with a scintillating run to set up a try for Cam Clark. He did it all for the Legion – stepping in at first receiver, kicking restarts, and even adding a couple big defensive plays. Troy Lockyear deserves a mention for his return to action with New York.