MLR 2022 – ARN Team of the Week – Round 8

This past weekend was an historic one for Major League Rugby – for the first time every game was won by the away team. That was bad news for the home teams, but there were some very strong attendance numbers which would have eased their concerns somewhat. It’s hard to believe but next week represents the mid-point of the season!

1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby New York) Had a good tilt against Isaac Salmon in the scrum. His work rate in the loose is what earns his place, with numerous tackles in a 75-minute effort. Opposite number Cole Keith was also very busy in the loose for Toronto.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (LA Giltinis) The toughest selection of the week with NOLA’s Pat O’Toole and Toronto’s Andrew Quattrin also strongly considered. Big Joe was a game changer for LA, scoring two tries while also winning two key turnovers in defense. Hopefully his replacement around the hour-mark was for precautionary reasons only.

3 – Isaac Salmon (Toronto Arrows) A physical force in the loose with a couple thumping tackles. Repeatedly offered himself as a ball carrier and made valuable hard yards. Somehow managed to go all 80 minutes. Honorable mention to Houston’s Juan Pablo Zeiss and NOLA’s Dino Waldren.

4 – Dave Dennis (LA Giltinis) Another big game in the middle of a dominant LA pack. His leadership will be critical as the Giltinis work their way back into playoff contention. Arrows captain Mike Shepppard was also in the thick of things in the heroic victory over New York.

5 – Jurie van Vuuren (Utah Warriors) Started with the No8 on his back but spent most of the game at lock after Jamie Lane was forced off early. van Vuuren was outstanding in defense including a couple breakdown turnovers. Old Glory’s Stan South was a bright spot in a struggling pack.

6 – Moni Tonga’uiha (NOLA Gold) Tireless around the pitch with notable impressions on both sides of the ball. Scored a try in support of Ignacio Dotti. NOLA’s recent success is in large part thanks to their back row. Utah’s Thomas Tu’avao played well against Houston.

7 – Slade McDowall (New England Free Jacks) All over the pitch for the Free Jacks. A key ball carrier, tackler, and general nuisance in the win over ATL. Showed the skills of a halfback with his inside pass to Harry Barlow. Toronto’s James O’Neill had the best game of his new professional career.

8 – Hanco Germishuys (LA Giltinis) Moved to the back of the scrum in the absence of Adam Ashe and Corey Thomas, and he delivered some tremendous carries. Beat four defenders on the way to scoring LA’s first try against the Seawolves.

9 – Dillon Smit (Houston SaberCats) The architect of Houston’s road win over Utah. It was his defensive effort that was most notable. Won a vital turnover when Lance Williams was dragged back from the goal line, and he punched the ball free from Paul Lasike’s arms for what looked a certain try.

10 – Sam Malcolm (Toronto Arrows) Absolutely courageous in defense, sometimes bringing down men seemingly twice his size. Malcolm oddly didn’t take a single kick at goal, a first in his MLR career! It’s not often flyhalves are picked with those kinds of stats but to us it was an easy choice.

11 – Gerrie Labuschagne (Houston SaberCats) Wearing 14 but played on the left wing. Returned from suspension and made up for lost time. Broke down the outside to set up his own try moments later. He even had the audacity to attempt a 58-meter penalty goal… and it only just missed. Martin Iosefo was one of Seattle’s best but came off early in the second half.

12 – Le Roux Malan (New England Free Jacks) Second straight selection and again a tricky choice as Houston’s Matai Leuta was close, with a mention for Utah’s Paul Lasike who made a big impression off the bench. Malan’s running line to score the first try was a thing of beauty, and his unorthodox grubber set the stage for Mills Sanerivi to score from a lineout drive.

13 – Dan Kriel (Seattle Seawolves) The Seawolves were unlucky not to score a couple more tries, and the scoreboard flatters LA somewhat. Kriel was a rock in the midfield, making hard yards and had some big hits in defense. We do wonder however if he should switch spots with Tavite Lopeti and return to his more natural inside role.

14 – Mitch Wilson (New England Free Jacks) Outstanding in every dimension against ATL. Put in some eye-catching tackles, scored an intercept try, and went 4 for 4 off the kicking tee including a long-rage penalty goal. Old Glory’s Peni Lasaqa and LA’s John Ryberg did well but Wilson was a class apart.

15 – Cliven Loubser (Utah Warriors) On the wrong side of the scoreboard this week but Loubser was again brilliant performance with ball in hand. We’ll forgive the ball lost in the sun. A huge run from his own half set up a try for Tuvere Vugakoto.