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Our 2021 Major League Rugby previews start with the newcomers. The LA Giltinis effectively replace the Colorado Raptors in the West Conference. They head into the season with a bit of fanfare, and not just on account of their branding. This is the loudest expansion side to date in terms of star power.
2020 RECORD: n/a
HEAD COACH: The Australian ownership is heavily reflected in the side from the top down. Darren Coleman is fresh off winning his second Shute Shield title in recent years, doing so with a second club. Behind him is an impressive supporting cast featuring former professional players Stephen Hoiles, Alex Corbisiero, and Orene Ai’i.
CAPTAIN: Leading the charge on the field is former Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis. Initially a physical loose forward, knee surgeries and age have pushed him into the second row. Now 35 years old he remains a fierce competitor who arrives direct from helping Exeter lift their first Champions Cup title.
STAR PLAYER: Like Dennis he is nearing the end of a glittering career, but there’s no question that Matt Giteau is a big name in rugby circles. The Wallabies centurion spent the past three seasons with Suntory in Japan. Giteau’s longevity is a testament to his preparation. Set to direct a backline that also contains Adam Ashley-Cooper and DTH van der Merwe.
KEY DEPARTURE: n/a
SMART SIGNING: The spine of a team is vital and in Glenn Bryce the Giltinis have a classy operator at fullback. At 29 he is still very much in his prime and more than a few Glasgow fans would have preferred he had stayed in Scotland. A strong runner with a big boot.
ONE TO WATCH: How could we not pick Langilangi Haupeakui? A human wrecking ball who stormed out of the gates in 2016, only to disappear just as quickly a year later. He didn’t take the field in the Austin warm-up but we can’t wait to see what happens when Haupeakui makes his MLR debut.
STRENGTHS: Once this team gets go-forward ball, look out. The backline is as good as it gets in this league and they have the depth to survive injuries at key positions. They also have dangerous ball runners up front with the likes of Adam Ashe, Luke White, and Pago Haini.
CONCERNS: Saturday’s warm-up showed that Corbisiero has his work cut out in the scrum department. Without the Smith twins they looked very shaky against Austin. Getting everyone on the same page defensively – and quickly – is also going to be a challenge.
OUTLOOK: Consider talks of running away with the title a tad premature. The first choice lineup stacks up against any opponent, but Saturday’s game showed they are very much mortal and their depth up front will be tested before the season is done. West Conference contenders with a giant target on their backs.
