MLR 2022 – ARN Team of the Week – Round 2

Cooler temperatures and windy conditions made for some interesting clashes in the second week of the 2022 Major League Rugby season. Defense was to the fore while set pieces and mauls were also popular this week which made it a little difficult to separate the forwards in particular.

1 – Jake Turnbull (Austin Gilgronis) The AG’s now have three solid US-eligible looseheads on their roster and it’s Turnbull who has taken his chance to start in the first two weeks. It’s not often you see props finishing tries at the end of a line break. Franco van den Berg also went well for Utah.

2 – Dean Muir (Houston SaberCats) A full 80 minutes from the new SaberCats skipper as they were only narrowly beaten by New York. Muir’s leadership and reliability at the set piece nearly led Houston to victory over New York. LA’s Andrew Tuala did his best human bowling ball impression against the Arrows.

3 – Angus MacLellan (Utah Warriors) Somewhat of a joint award with Paul Mullen. The Warriors were second-best in the lineout but dominated the scrum. Their dual-Eagle tighthead strategy has been very effective with MacLellan and Mullen also active in the tight-loose. Juan Pablo Zeiss had another strong outing for Houston.

4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) Edged out last week but not to be denied this time. Momsen was a force in defense, and it was his line break that set up a try for Daemon Torres. LA skipper Dave Dennis survived an HIA and was a key figure in his team’s recovery in Langford.

5 – Keni Nasoqeqe (Houston SaberCats) Good work rate for the big man, who was like an extra loose forward for the Cats around the pitch. Also competed well as a front jumper in the lineout.

6 – Angus Cottrell (LA Giltinis) There were solid contributions from a pair of Ben’s – Bonasso of New York and Seattle’s Landry. Cottrell was a difference-maker for the Giltinis, scoring two vital first half tries against the Arrows and dragging his team back into the game.

7 – Matt Heaton (Rugby ATL) In the middle of a relentless Ratlers defensive effort that held the Gold try-less in New Orleans. Heaton was a constant menace at the breakdown, winning one turnover. On another occasion he ripped the ball free in a choke tackle.

8 – Riekert Hattingh (Seattle Seawolves) Another top all-around performance from the captain. Scored the first try and played a key role in the second. NOLA’s Maciu Koroi repeatedly asked questions of the ATL defense and is one to watch moving forward.

9 – Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis) Kept the attack tempo high which allowed the Giltinis to stay in the match until halftime. After the break LA stepped it up a notch, and Goddard was rewarded for his support work with a runaway try that split the Arrows defense.

10 – AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves) Mixed up his play nicely in the win over the Warriors. Challenged the line, got his midfield running on the front foot, and kicked for space when it was needed. A perfect four from four off the kicking tee as well.

11 – Ed Fidow (Rugby New York) Spoiled for choice at left wing. Any of Seattle’s Martin Iosefo, Austin’s Julián Domínguez, or Old Glory’s Renata Roberts-Te Nana could justifiably get the nod here. We’ve gone with Fidow after scoring two individual tries including a 79th minute effort that gave New York a scrappy win on the road over Houston.

12 – Tavite Lopeti (Seattle Seawolves) The outstanding player on display this week, he did everything one could ask of a center. Repeatedly breached the gain line and it was his wide pass that put Nakai Penny in to finish. After only two MLR games this youngster looks the goods.

13 – Mark O’Keeffe (Austin Gilgronis) Got on the scoreboard within seconds of kickoff and played his part in a lethal AG backline that helped set a new club scoring record. Utah’s Tyler Fisher put in a thunderous tackle on Lopeti, and Henry Trinder showed his determination to score a fine try for Dallas.

14 – Ryan Matyas (San Diego Legion) Wasn’t even supposed to be in the starting lineup until injuries in the warm-up created an opening. In a largely disjointed contest he was a standout, and notably played a critical role in two late tries – scoring one himself – that salvaged the win. Conner Mooneyham was also in fine form for Austin.

15 – Marcel Brache (Austin Gilgronis) Brache created the first three tries for the AG’s with incisive runs and scored one himself. Looks to be thoroughly enjoying his move to fullback. Honorable mention to Seattle’s Duncan Matthews and ATL’s Joaquín de la Vega Mendía.