MLR Team of the Week

This past weekend saw some decisive results that advanced the playoff hopes for some and dashed others. Individually it was a mix of offensive genius and defensive bravery. ATL’s inspirational win over LA sees them rewarded with four selections.

1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL) Put in a superb shift for the Ratlers, tackling everything in sight around the fringes. Peerless among front rowers in MLR when it comes to work rate in defense.

2 – Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York) Just another day at the office. Busy in defense, had a couple offloads going forward, and scored what felt like his 3000th career try on a driving maul.

3 – Charlie Abel (LA Giltinis) Modern props aren’t meant to play 80 minutes but Abel just shrugs it off week after week. Another impressive display of power running. Paddy Ryan had a fun run for San Diego despite likely still being a bit jet-lagged.

4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) The Giltinis must have been wondering if there were two of him, such was Momsen’s ubiquitous presence. Disrupted the lineout, a menace at the breakdown, and put in countless tackles. Dave Dennis put in a shift on the other side of the pitch for LA.

5 – Josh Larsen (New England Free Jacks) Scored a vital try from in close, what would prove the only try of the game for the home side. The big Canadian international led from the front with several carries in traffic and a sterling effort in defense.

6 – Psalm Wooching (San Diego Legion) The action never stops for this one. Wooching was the Legion’s most prominent figure on both sides of the ball. Angus Cottrell could have used a sub but soldiered on for LA and scored a late try despite hobbling on one leg.

7 – Matt Heaton (Rugby ATL) Take a bow, skipper. Absolutely tireless in defense. His tackling technique is worthy of study. Bailey Wilson went well for Utah but this was Heaton’s shirt all day.

8 – Jurie van Vuuren (Utah Warriors) An industrious day at the back of the Warriors scrum. Made hard yards and also prominent in defense. Yellow card aside Kara Pryor was busy for New York.

9 – Andy Ellis (Rugby United New York) Looked to be having the time of his life in a scintillating performance against Old Glory. Played a part in almost every try for New York including a marvelous end-to-end effort after moving to flyhalf that brought the game to a close.

10 – Calvin Whiting (Utah Warriors) Thrust into the flyhalf role unexpectedly and the result speaks for itself. Challenged the line, distributed well, and a perfect 5-from-5 off the kicking tee. Is there still time for a late call-up to the Eagles squad?

11 – DTH van der Merwe (LA Giltinis) A danger man with ball in hand all night. He had some work to do to score a first half try that kept LA in the game. New York’s Apenisa Cakaubalavu stayed out of trouble for New York, scoring one try himself and setting up another.

12 – Bautista Ezcurra (Rugby ATL) Kicked a couple times when he should have kept ball in hand, but made up for it by playing a key role in both of his team’s tries. Veramu Dikidikilati was Houston’s most effective ball carrier on a frustrating day for the Cats.

13 – Frank Halai (Austin Gilgronis) Half the time he looked like he was ready to be carried off the pitch, the other half he was punching holes in Utah’s line. Not close to full fitness at the moment but still a difference maker for the AG’s.

14 – Mika Kruse (Utah Warriors) Absolutely on fire at the moment. Blazed down the sideline and kept the ball alive for Matt Jensen to score. Got himself on the board in support of his tag team partner Mike Te’o. The tandem is a joy to watch.

15 – Mike Te’o (Utah Warriors) A difficult choice with New York’s Ben Foden also in top form. Te’o seems to be playing the game with different laws of physics than the rest. Created two scores before claiming one for himself with a contender for best straight running line of the year.