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The second week of the Major League Rugby season gave us plenty of thrills with some unexpected results. Las Vegas produced bags of tries but also bad decisions galore, perhaps appropriately. Only one name returns from last week’s selection, likely the most predictable of the lot.
1 – Djustice Sears-Duru (Seattle Seawolves) Sure, it was fun seeing Tendai Mtawarira crashing about the pitch, but how could you give anything but a standing ovation to Sears-Duru for the complete humiliation dished out in the scrum? The Seattle backline owes their pack an apology for blowing such an advantage. Chance Wenglewski was outstanding in his second half replacement spot for Rugby ATL.
2 – Alex Maughan (Rugby ATL) Defense was the key to ATL’s win over NOLA. They swamped the Gold at the breakdown with Maughan among those slowing down possession. He scored one key turnover, and his lineout throwing was on target in the rain – such that they tried to illegally sub him back in late in the match. Diego Fortuny almost did enough in 35 stellar minutes for Houston.
3 – Mason Pedersen (Austin Gilgronis) That thunderous hit on Mathieu Bastareaud wasn’t the only big shoulder Pedersen presented. Held the scrum well enough, won a big turnover early on deep in his own end, and grabbed a well-deserved try on a smart line off a ruck. Utah’s 1-2 punch of Angus MacLellan and Kalolo Tuiloma were mighty in the win over the Free Jacks.
4 – Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York) Just another day in the office for New York’s finest. He went into the game knowing he needed to put in a 80 minute shift and that he did, winning numerous lineouts while heaving the RUNY scrum on. John Cullen also put in a yeoman’s effort for the Warriors.
5 – Stefan Willemse (Rugby ATL) A mountainous figure who looked right at home in the rain. Made an absolute mess of every maul and breakdown he was near and put in some shuddering tackles. Somehow got up quick enough to steal a key lineout that spoiled another NOLA attack.
6 – Tomás de la Vega (Toronto Arrows) Mr. Everywhere. Made an incredible amount of tackles but also the top lineout man, cleaned up loose ball, stole one of Houston’s throws, and secured his share of rucks. The yellow card at the end was a team penalty that still seemed harsh.
7 – Mungo Mason (Old Glory DC) Put a big C next to his name. There’s nothing co- about this Mungo. Carried his team forward relentlessly. The interception in the second half was the turning point of the match. His opposite Nakai Penny was also class, even the yellow card was an act of heroism.
8 – Kyle Sumsion (Rugby United New York) We’re cheating slightly as Sumsion played the first half on the flank, but with RUNY fielding three props he was in a hybrid role anyway. His carrying into contact was tremendous all game, exemplified by his classic eightman try in the second half.
9 – Nate Augspurger (San Diego Legion) Honorable mention a week ago but top of the shop this week. Went toe-to-toe with his old mate Nick Boyer and came out with a convincing win. Augspurger’s passing was sharp and he was a menace in defense, twice bringing down men 100 pounds heavier. John Poland caught the eye for New England.
10 – Jason Robertson (Old Glory DC) The best of the weekend, without question. Did incredibly well to control the game with almost zero front foot ball from the set piece. Had the Seawolves defense in fits scoring 18 points himself and creating the two other tries. ATL’s Kurt Coleman was next in line.
11 – Malacchi Esdale (Houston SaberCats) Had one cracking break out of nothing that should have earned a try were it not for poor support. Always beat the first defender and showed the improvements in his game – kept the ball alive in the tackle, ran strong support lines, and worked hard in defense.
12 – Ma’a Nonu (San Diego Legion) This feels like a default selection, but there was nobody else who stepped up to the mark. He’ll want that pass to Mika Kruse back, otherwise his distribution was on the money again. That step for his try was a throwback to years gone by.
13 – Troy Lockyear (Rugby United New York) What a way to introduce yourself to professional rugby. Two tries including one scorching line break, and nearly a hat trick via the intercept. Good as he was, he had competition from ATL’s Jeremy Misailegalu and his opposite – Peni Tagive of Austin.
14 – Gannon Moore (Utah Warriors) Absolutely electric with every touch of the ball. He had two breakouts that were nearly the length of the field, the second setting up the game winning try. Looked for work and solid in defense. Doug Fraser was quality for Old Glory.
15 – Dylan Audsley (San Diego Legion) Somehow swerved past the entire Raptors backline to score when nothing was on. Closed the space on John Ryberg and covered everything kicked his way. Chased down his own clearance and made a brilliant tackle on Boyer that won a turnover and three points.
