Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
This past weekend was a memorable one for Major League Rugby, with three league records toppling and a couple surprising results. Austin maintained their unbeaten record but for 40 minutes they were decidedly second-best, and as a result none of their players make it into our weekly selection.
1 – Matt Harmon (NOLA Gold) Starting to show the form that made him an Eagle last year. Harmon & Co. had the Seawolves scrum in all sorts of trouble from the start and without clean first phase possession, the home side found progress very slow-going.
2 – Marko Janse van Rensburg (Rugby ATL) Hugh Roach was one of Austin’s best against LA and gave some pause for thought. Three tries, however, is hard to deny and Janse van Rensburg was top class in all aspects against Houston. His running line to score the first try was a thing of beauty.
3 – Chris Baumann (San Diego Legion) There were no obvious answers here and we focused on two contenders in the end, both of whom played 40 minutes. John-Roy Jenkinson demolished the SaberCats scrum in his ATL debut, but Baumann’s startling impressions around the pitch gave him the nod.
4 – Dave Dennis (LA Giltinis) Leading his patchwork team into battle, Dennis worked tirelessly as the Giltinis kept the Gilgronis scoreless in the first half. Other contenders were NOLA’s Cam Dolan after disruptive efforts at the lineout against Seattle, and Free Jacks skipper Josh Larsen.
5 – Justin Basson (Rugby ATL) The right side of the engine room was a little trickier to pin down. Seattle’s Rhyno Herbst and San Diego’s Ben Grant were in the discussion. Basson was in the middle of an ATL pack that gave their Houston opposites a bit of a pasting before exiting shortly after the 50-minute mark.
6 – Joe Johnston (New England Free Jacks) One third of an outstanding loose forward trio that make just about every breakdown uncomfortable for the opposition. Johnston seemed to be everywhere against New York, and he was rewarded with a late try for his efforts.
7 – Michael Smith (San Diego Legion) A close call with New England’s Slade McDowall also worthy of selection. The Legion seemed to be drifting at times but for a second week in a row Smith was in perpetual motion. A first half carry kept an attack alive to set up Thomas Morani for a try, and a key turnover in the second half snuffed out an Old Glory attack.
8 – Tevita Tameilau (San Diego Legion) Powered over the line twice against DC though the first ‘try’ was ultimately called back. Tameilau continues to provide go-forward for the Legion and looks fitter than he did a year ago. He might still have to fight for his spot with Rohan O’Regan set to arrive.
9 – Niall Saunders (Utah Warriors) It was another good week for Austin’s Ryan Louwrens while John Poland was also influential for New England. In the end we opted for Saunders, the Irishman who looks to be having fun again after becoming disillusioned with the sport at Harlequins. Scored one try and created several others in Utah’s demolition job against Dallas.
10 – Beaudein Waaka (New England Free Jacks) Is there anything this bloke can’t do? Waaka went to town against New York, scoring two tries and adding five kicks off the tee for a 26-point haul. If MVP voting happened now, he would be a unanimous winner. Honorable mention to Utah’s Caleb Makene, and a tip of the cap to LA’s ageless Orene Ai’i.
11 – Mika Kruse (Utah Warriors) Looks to have packed on a bit of weight during the off-season but showed he is still nimble enough to dance around defenses. Kruse picked up a hat trick against Dallas and they required some finishing. Julián Domínguez was a menace with ball in hand for Austin.
12 – Jason Emery (Rugby New York) A signing that flew under the radar somewhat, but those who were familiar with his talents knew that New York had done their homework. Emery was a triple-threat against the Free Jacks. When he wasn’t running through holes himself, he was freeing the outside backs either by hand or by foot – as evidenced in the final try from Jack Heighton.
13 – Thomas Morani (San Diego Legion) After bouncing around last season Morani is loving life as a one-club man. The Argentine is on fire at the moment, punching well above his weight and making an impact on both sides of the ball. He scored one try against DC and caused problems with every touch.
14 – Andrew Coe (Rugby New York) We’re spoiled for choice on the right wing this week. Case in point – missing out are Utah’s Mike Te’o, Austin’s Conner Mooneyham, and Eric Naposki from Dallas. All quality, but how can you not got with Coe after his acrobatics in Hoboken? Two tries including one that should feature in the year-end highlight reels.
15 – Carl Meyer (NOLA Gold) On another week we would be inclined to pick Cliven Loubser. Meyer, however, was the man for NOLA yet again. His presence made sure that the Gold won the territory battle over Seattle, and off the kicking tee he was a perfect seven-for-seven with 20 points.
