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There were five games on offer this past week, though the content was spread out with the Cocktail Bowl being played on Wednesday. All teams are now even in games played and the hunt for elusive playoff spots now begins in earnest. Similarly to last week there seemed to be more team efforts rather than individual stars, with the weather significantly affecting tactics.
1 – Franco van den Berg (Utah Warriors) The former Junior Springbok had a busy day in the loose with a number of carries that kept Utah moving over the gainline. On the other side of the pitch NOLA’s Matt Harmon was notable in defense, so too Old Glory’s Jamie Dever.
2 – Pat O’Toole (NOLA Gold) A straight choice between New York’s Dylan Fawsitt and NOLA’s main man, both scoring two tries. O’Toole gets the nod for a rambunctious display. In fact he crossed the line a third time only for it to be called back. Had to unexpectedly return to the pitch after Eric Howard went down injured in the second half.
3 – Charlie Abel (LA Giltinis) Another strong showing from Old Glory anchor Steven Longwell, but we’ll go for the powerful Giltini. Abel has been a rock for LA on the right side of the scrum all season, putting in a mountain of minutes. Against Austin he played all but the last few seconds of the game and was prominent on both sides of the ball.
4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) Delivers every game for the Ratlers. Momsen wasn’t as busy in the lineout on Sunday but didn’t have to be. Instead he was one of ATL’s top tacklers while also playing a support role on attack. He popped up on Adriaan Carelse’s shoulder to take an offload in for a first half try.
5 – Josh Larsen (New England Free Jacks) It was another captain’s effort from the Canadian international. Won a turnover in the loose, pinched one of New York’s lineouts, and made himself a nuisance as he always does in the tight-loose.
6 – Angus Cottrell (LA Giltinis) Didn’t score himself this week but seemed to do everything but. Ripped away possession from the AG’s in the first half and put John Ryberg in for a try with a textbook offload in the second. Consistently one of LA’s best this season.
7 – Matt Heaton (Rugby ATL) Put on a tackling clinic against the Seawolves. His team absorbed waves of Seattle attacks and spent 20 minutes shorthanded and still they refused to concede a single try. Maclean Jones was very active for the Gilgronis.
8 – Wian Conradie (New England Free Jacks) A relatively late addition to the roster when Tera Mtembu and Jack Ram hit visa snags, Conradie is now keeping Mtembu out of the starting lineup with his excellent work rate. He scored two tries against New York, one over top of the ruck and another tearing down the sideline from the back of a maul.
9 – Andy Ellis (Rugby United New York) The calm to Fawsitt’s storm. Ellis was like a conductor against the Free Jacks, bossing the forwards and taking all the right options when it was time to let the backs loose. Even filled in capably at flyhalf for the last 20-odd minutes.
10 – Adriaan Carelse (Rugby ATL) Honorable mention to LA’s Matt Giteau and New York’s Harry Bennett. Carelse was electric for ATL, bewildering the defense to almost single-handedly create scores for Momsen and Bautista Ezcurra. His kicking off the tee wasn’t so sharp but on this day it didn’t matter.
11 – Julián Domínguez (NOLA Gold) Left wing is the hottest position in MLR, perhaps an indication that passing off the left hand needs improvement! Dominguez scorched his way to another superb individual try early in the first half. Seattle’s most dangerous attacker was Ross Neal while Apenisa Cakaubalavu did damage for New York but loses marks for poor discipline.
12 – Bill Meakes (LA Giltinis) Back-to-back-selections after returning from a broken face. Completely shut down his channel in defense while providing several bursts over the gainline. ATL’s Bautista Ezcurra scored twice against Seattle, and on the other side of the pitch George Barton made an impact when he came on in the second half.
13 – Bryce Campbell (Austin Gilgronis) The AG’s were second-best to their glittery Gil-cousins but Captain Campbell can hold his head high. By far and away his team’s busiest ball carrier while also putting in a tidy performance in defense.
14 – John Ryberg (LA Giltinis) Who knew the big man had a boot like that? It was a rare sight but proved one of the pivotal acts of the game. Ryberg was rewarded from a try soon after. He had earlier come just inches short of another. Deservedly part of the Eagles squad announced yesterday.
15 – Ben Foden (Rugby United New York) Popped up in the attacking line to play a critical role in two tries. His tap-pass to Fa’asiu Fuatai was a thing of beauty, and he put Bennett away for what proved the decisive score. Will Magie’s defensive showing for Austin was commendable.
