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This past weekend of Major League Rugby action seemed to have it all in only five games. Two blowouts, three close calls, some wacky TMO decisions, a winning streak extended, and a long losing streak ended. There were also some fine individual performances that made a few selections difficult.
1 – Cole Keith (Toronto Arrows) The scrum largely had its way with the Gold, either winning penalties or providing an attacking platform for the backs. Keith also grabbed a nifty try on a lineout set move early in the second half. Austin’s Payton Telea-Ilalio could hardly have asked for a better debut with two tries against the Jackals.
2 – Peter Malcolm (San Diego Legion) There were options here with LA’s Joe Taufete’e and Toronto’s Andrew Quattrin also in the mix. Malcolm gets the nod for his two-try performance with San Diego. Accurate at the set piece and busy around the park.
3 – Charlie Abel (LA Giltinis) A close call with Toronto’s Isaac Salmon going well at the scrum and in the loose. Abel had the same type of performance for the Giltinis and did it for over 70 minutes. Provided physicality in the contact area and won the scrum battle though Houston did make things interesting for a few minute at the end of the first half.
4 – Tevita Naqali (Old Glory DC) What a run this fella is on. Three weeks in a row Naqali has made our weekly XV. Was this his best? Double digits in both carries and tackles, he seems to pop up as a ball carrying option just when you need someone to keep the momentum going.
5 – Samu Manoa (Seattle Seawolves) The battle of the big men. Toronto’s Paul Ciulini and LA’s Luke White also came to mind. We couldn’t skip over Manoa, however, who had a couple huge runs early and put in some shuddering hits around the park. Ben Landry and Manoa hunting in tandem are a sight to behold.
6 – Moni Tonga’uiha (NOLA Gold) A shining light in a struggling team at the moment. Tonga’uiha celebrated his 50th match in Gold with another tireless effort and he even found his way over the tryline. Seattle’s Ben Landry and Old Glory’s Felix Kalapu were imposing on both sides of the ball for their respective teams.
7 – Christian Poidevin (LA Giltinis) The back row were difference makers for LA, especially after Danny Barrett left the field at halftime. Poidevin was all over the pitch doing his best to impede Houston’s continuity. Barrett might have been in the mix had he stuck it out for the entire match.
8 – Hanco Germishuys (LA Giltinis) Is there a more frightening ball carrier in MLR at the moment? Germishuys went on the rampage again including one jaw-dropping effort from a quick tap that left multiple defenders equal parts bemused and battered. It will be interesting to see how Gary Gold sees his role with the Eagles.
9 – Danny Tusitala (Old Glory DC) The man in the middle who has been so instrumental to Old Glory since day one. His quick tap led to a first half try for Junior Sa’u, and then a line break opened the door for Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz in the second half. It’s been a long season for the captain so hopefully he was finally allowed a good night’s rest.
10 – AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves) Vital to Seattle’s playoff hopes, and we saw why on Saturday. Alatimu played a direct role in almost every score including a perfect 6-from-6 off the kicking tee for personal haul of 14 points. Any flyhalf who scores a try from a driving maul is worth of honorable mention – step forward Austin’s Will Magie.
11 – Martin Iosefo (Seattle Seawolves) Both of the starting left-wingers on display in Seattle were quality. Tomas Aoake scored two tries to Iosefo’s one, but the latter was also excellent in defense and corralled a tricky high ball to spark a counter-attack that ended with a try.
12 – Ma’a Nonu (San Diego Legion) Do you pick the work rate of LA’s Bill Meakes, the power of Toronto’s Ueta Tufuga, or the sheer class of Nonu? We went with the latter. He drew in three defenders like a magnet to free Tomas Aoake for a crucial score just before halftime. The Legion will need even more from their skipper down the stretch.
13 – Mark O’Keeffe (Austin Gilgronis) Had a bit of a field day against Dallas with two tries scored and an assist for Casey McDermott Vai. Probably could have grabbed a hat trick if he felt like it. Old Glory’s Thretton Palamo shifted outside this week and had another influential game against Utah.
14 – Harley Wheeler (NOLA Gold) Another who is showing well for the Gold despite their challenges. Wheeler was on the spot to grab a loose ball and sprint clear for a try in the second half. He looked to have created another for with a line break and chip ahead for Devereaux Ferris, but the TMO pedantically ruled Nick Feakes’ pass to Wheeler as forward.
15 – Chris Mattina (Austin Gilgronis) Enjoying some extended playing time at the fullback position after playing a utility role while with New York. Mattina’s link play and angled running from the back played direct roles in tries from O’Keeffe and Sidney Shoop.
