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It was another exciting week of action as the playoff race heats up. Utah’s magnificent – and slightly controversial – comeback win over San Diego was a highlight, so too the likely Eastern Conference Final preview between New York and ATL. There are some new names on our list today, including two that did not start for their team!
1 – Faka’osi Pifeleti (San Diego Legion) Honorable mention to LA’s two-try man JP Smith, but our vote once again goes to Pifeleti. Barged his way over for an early try and put in two bone-rattling tackles to keep the Warriors at bay earlier on.
2 – Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York) Two tremendous line breaks including one early on that resulted in a try to Andy Ellis. Front rowers are not designed to play 80 minutes in the modern game and yet Fawsitt delivers week in, week out.
3 – LaRome White (Austin Gilgronis) An early replacement for Paddy Ryan, White pulled off the unthinkable with another interception, this time running some 80 meters to score a sensational try. Also set up a score for Kyle Breytenbach with a strong run into traffic. Wikus Groenewald impressed for ATL.
4 – Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York) The number one lineout target in the absence of Nick Civetta, Brakeley was also a giant in defense. Ripped the ball clean in out tackle and in general worked his socks off until the final whistle.
5 – Jackson Thiebes (New England Free Jacks) Not in the Eagles squad yet but he can’t be far off given his form this season. Produced another line break against Seattle and alongside captain Josh Larsen gave Seattle headaches in the tight-loose.
6 – Thomas Tu’avao (Utah Warriors) Stepped and sped past Cameron Clark for a brilliant try. Also won a turnover and was very active during his hour on the pitch. His opposite Psalm Wooching also featured heavily for San Diego.
7 – Joe Johnston (New England Free Jacks) Another all-action performance with big plays on both sides of the ball. Two line breaks, one turnover, and as many defenders beaten with ball in hand as tackles.
8 – Jurie van Vuuren (Utah Warriors) Take your pick from Austin’s Dominic Akina or ATL’s Jason Damm. Given the context of the game we opted for van Vuuren, who was enormous for the Warriors in every capacity and scored a crucial with a straight line up the middle.
9 – Andy Ellis (Rugby United New York) Only played 27 minutes after coming off with an ankle injury, but in that time he was enormously influential with a breakout try and a superb tackle on ATL hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg to prevent a certain try. Conor McManus did well to finish out the big win.
10 – Matt Giteau (LA Giltinis) Played the director’s role in the demolition of the SaberCats, leading LA to a 45-nil lead before heading for an early shower. Also showed bravery in defense with one tackle held up and another ball scraped off the deck. His commitment is exemplary.
11 – Suliasi Tamaivena (Seattle Seawolves) Enjoyed his best performance in MLR to date. Scored twice against the Seawolves, one a classic winger’s finish in the corner and a second on a cracking outside-in line that caught the Free Jacks completely by surprise.
12 – Bautista Ezcurra (Rugby ATL) Utah’s Calvin Whiting and San Diego’s Tiaan Loots both had fine performances. Ezcurra kept the New York midfield on their toes with some sneaky footwork. Managed to break free once and score a try that helped salvage two bonus points from a tough loss.
13 – Thomas Morani (San Diego Legion) In sensational form with the Legion since arriving from Houston via Old Glory, the Argentine played a direct role in three straight tries against Utah including one finished by himself. Tyler Fisher was equally worth in a bruising performance for the Warriors.
14 – D’Montae Noble (Old Glory DC) Didn’t even notch 20 minutes on the pitch but such was his impact we couldn’t leave him out. Three line breaks that made NOLA star Julián Domínguez look pedestrian, he was rewarded with a try on full-time.
15 – Hanno Dirksen (NOLA Gold) Easily the most congested position of the week with the likes of Toronto’s Joaquin Tuculet, Seattle’s Akihito Yamada, and Utah’s Mike Te’o also strong. Dirksen was immense for NOLA with scorching try in the first half and several half-breaks throughout.
