MLR Team of the Week

This past week of Major League Rugby action was unusual from a selection point of view. Though there were several strong team performances, individual standouts were quite difficult to identify. There were big plays but relative to previous weeks only a couple spots were clear and obvious choices.

1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL) It was a largely defensive day at the office for ATL. They put the squeeze on the Free Jacks and dominated territory. Wenglewski had another 70+ minute shift, holding the scrum and putting in numerous tackles around the fringes.

2 – Sama Malolo (Utah Warriors) Absent since the Week 3 game against the Free Jacks, Malolo returned with a vengeance for the Warriors against LA. Powered through three men to score early in the game and nearly scored a second. Also put his body on the line with some bruising tackles.

3 – Steven Longwell (Old Glory DC) Back in the starting side, he produced a fine all-around effort. Strong at the set piece, put in a handful of carries, and prominent defensively including one breakdown turnover.

4 – Joshua Furno (San Diego Legion) Looked happier in his second game back than his first. A key part of an excellent San Diego defensive effort while putting his usual shfit in the air. Corey Thomas had a busy game including a try for LA.

5 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) The Ratlers adopted a tactical approach to beat the Free Jacks and it paid off. Momsen was their primary lineout target and also contributed strongly in defense.

6 – Angus Cottrell (LA Giltinis) Two more tries from Cottrell which puts him just one back of his teammate DTH van der Merwe for the league lead. Always seems to be in the right place and the right time. Grabbed one breakdown turnover to go with a few handy carries.

7 – Andrew Guerra (NOLA Gold) It might have been more appropriate to pick to opensides with week with LA’s Harry McNulty and San Diego’s Michael Smith both impressing with their work rate. Guerra was industrious on both sides of the ball and produced a fine individual try to get NOLA on the board first.

8 – Manuel Diana (Toronto Arrows) An easy choice after his outstanding effort at the back of the Arrows scrum. Tirelessly gave his team go-forward whether from the scrum or on the counter-attack. Rewarded with a try in the second half.

9 – Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis) Scored a double thanks to his sharp support lines. Seems to know where the gaps will be before he arrives. Danny Tusitala marshalled his pack to success against a determined Seawaolves side.

10 – Mack Mason (Austin Gilgronis) Tactical kicking gave Austin a significant territorial advantage over New York. Mason was flawless off the tee and orchestrated the game plan to perfection.

11 – Julián Domínguez (NOLA Gold) Guerra was NOLA’s best up front. In the backs Domínguez seemed a one-man army at times. His second half try was a remarkable individual effort. Ross Neal continues to be a source of strength for the Seawolves on the left wing.

12 – Bill Meakes (LA Giltinis) In his first game back after having metal plates inserted in his face, Meakes showed no signs of hesitation in the contact area. Held up Malolo in the try-zone and made the gainline with every carry.

13 – Bryce Campbell (Austin Gilgronis) At the heart of a staunch defensive performance that held New York try-less. It was appropriately his tackle that forced the knock-on to end the game. The two in Houston also impressed – Arrows co-captain Ben LeSage and SaberCats dynamo Veramu Dikidikilati.

14 – John Ryberg (LA Giltinis) Continues to be used as a creator than a finisher for LA. Tied up defenders with some punishing runs that made space for his teammates to exploit.

15 – Cecil Afrika (San Diego Legion) A close call with Utah’s Mike Te’o again electric. The impact of Afrika out wide with two tries scored had to be recognized. That said he won’t be keen to see Domínguez steaming towards him again any time soon!