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Major League Rugby returns to New York State for the first time since May 26, 2019, in the first of three Sunday matches. Rugby United New York hosts Rugby ATL at a new venue, Belson Stadium on the Queens campus of St. John’s University. It’s a fascinating contest that could well decide the first overall position in the Eastern Conference.
When the two sides squared off back in Week 4 it was New York who got the edge in a 10-point victory. Of their three defeats this season it was the only time the Ratlers failed to secure a losing bonus. ATL have now lost both of their home games against New York dating back to last season and will now get a chance to return the favor.
The Ratlers enter as the league’s hottest team with six straight wins, and are now one away from tying the MLR record of seven set by Glendale in 2018 and Toronto in 2019. Over the past two weeks they have knocked off the first overall LA Giltinis and East contenders NOLA despite holding well under 40% possession in each, a nod to their outstanding defense.
Marko Janse van Rensburg is back in the No2 shirt in one of three alterations to the starting pack. Conor Keys comes in for Marno Redelinghuys at lock, and Ross Deacon starts on the flank for the first time with Vili Helu swapping to the bench.
Ryan Rees starts in place of Duncan van Schalkwyk in the only personnel change in the backline, though there is a reshuffle out wide. Mark O’Keeffe pushes out one spot to the wing, with Te Rangatira Waitokia moving up to outside center and Rory van Vugt captaining from fullback. Former Life University winger Sam Cowley joins the squad and could make his pro debut as a replacement.
After a week off it’s back to business for New York. Their last run-out was a one-sided road win over Old Glory that put them on 34 points. That’s good enough for second place on the East table, five back of ATL with a game at hand. With NOLA and New England creeping up behind, a victory over ATL would be a significant step towards a Semi Final spot.
There is only minor tinkering to the roster this week. Zak Taulafo is rested with Samu Tawake taking over at tighthead prop. Kyle Sumsion gets his first start of the season on the blindside flank as Hanco Germishuys settles for a spot among the reserves.
Notably two first choice players remain sidelined with injury. Second row Nick Civetta and flyhalf Dan Hollinshead are both recovering from shoulder knocks, though their absence has been mitigated with Evan Mintern and Harry Bennett showing their quality in recent weeks.
Sunday’s forecast suggests near-ideal conditions which sets the stage for a real test of abilities. ATL coach Scott Lawrence spoke highly of New York following the win over NOLA but there’s no argument as to which side is in the best form. The Ratlers have a score to settle and get the nod as slight favorites despite conceding home field advantage.
Kickoff is set for 2pm local time, 11am Pacific. The Rugby Network will stream worldwide with a delayed broadcast available on MSG Network in New York.
RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK
1 James Rochford, 2 Dylan Fawsitt (capt.), 3 Samu Tawake, 4 Nate Brakeley, 5 Evan Mintern, 6 Kyle Sumsion, 7 Benjamín Bonasso, 8 Kara Pryor, 9 Andy Ellis, 10 Harry Bennett, 11 Apenisa Cakaubalavu, 12 Quinn Ngawati, 13 Fa’asiu Fuatai, 14 Chris Mattina, 15 Ben Foden
Replacements: 16 Rob Irimescu, 17 Anthony Parry, 18 Wilton Rebolo, 19 Charlie Hewitt, 20 Hanco Germishuys, 21 Conor McManus, 22 Will Leonard, 23 Joel Miranda
RUGBY ATL
1 Chance Wenglewski, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 3 Wikus Groenewald, 4 Johan Momsen, 5 Conor Keys, 6 Connor Cook, 7 Ross Deacon, 8 Jason Damm, 9 Ryan Rees, 10 Adriaan Carelse, 11 Mark O’Keeffe, 12 Bautista Ezcurra, 13 Te Rangatira Waitokia, 14 Jeremy Misailegalu, 15 Rory van Vugt (capt.)
Replacements: 16 Alex Maughan, 17 Jonas Petrakopoulos, 18 Manasa Saulo, 19 Marno Redelinghuys, 20 Vili Helu, 21 Robbie Petzer, 22 Sam Cowley, 23 Duncan van Schalkwyk
Date: Sunday, June 13
Venue: Belson Stadium, Queens
Kickoff: 14:00 local (11:00 Pacific)
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistants: Lex Weiner (USA) & Miles McIvor (USA)
Broadcasts: MSG Network (2h delay), The Rugby Network
Historical Results
2021-04-11 – Rugby ATL 17, Rugby United New York 27 (Lupo Family Field)
2020-02-23 – Rugby ATL 19, Rugby United New York 22 (Lupo Family Field)
