Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
New York will be pleased to see the end of Round 10 after their nightmare visit to LA on Sunday. It was close but no cigar again for Old Glory, and the Free Jacks continued their hot streak against the Seawolves. Some first-timers made it into the squad this week, and there were also a couple familiar faces.
1 – Mzamo Majola (Seattle Seawolves) Since arriving in Round 3 the South African has logged a huge amount of minutes. It was all 80 against New England and Majola kept stayed strong in the scrum throughout while also contributing well in breakdown support.
2 – Hugh Roach (Austin Gilgronis) Probably should have been binned, if not for the first shoulder charge then certainly the second. He escaped with penalties, however, and scored two tries to make up for his mischief. LA’s Joe Taufete’e is loving being back in SoCal.
3 – John-Roy Jenkinson (Rugby ATL) No contest here. Jenkinson absolutely obliterated the NOLA scrum, completely denying them front foot ball at the set piece. He even got in a cheeky little pass right on the gainline that Johan Momsen took in for seven points.
4 – Tevita Naqali (Old Glory DC) Make it two selections in a row for the Fijian. Naqali had countless carries into traffic against Toronto and must have made a dozen tackles. DC have holes on their roster but are in good stead with this fella and Stan South in the second row.
5 – Luke White (LA Giltinis) Both our locks from last week are in again. White was in thunderous form against New York, and even showed a touch of class with his pop off the deck to John Ryberg for a second half score. NOLA’s Billy Stewart and Austin’s Isaac Ross also impressed.
6 – Rohan O’Regan (San Diego Legion) Brings raw physicality that the Legion were perhaps lacking a little up front. His tackle on an unsuspecting Cam Dodson was a sight to behold. Also picked up a try from a pick-and-drive in support of skipper Ma’a Nonu.
7 – Danny Barrett (Houston SaberCats) Despite the high score the SaberCats weren’t entirely convincing against Dallas. Up front it was Barrett who impressed the most. His turnover followed by a try in the first half summed him his contributions to the team this season. LA’s Christian Poidevin once again receives honorable mention.
8 – Ronan Foley (Toronto Arrows) After a sluggish start to the campaign the Irishman has raised his game in recent weeks. Foley’s ball carrying efforts against Old Glory were reminiscent of Manuel Diana’s glory days in the blue and white. San Diego’s Tevita Tameilau and LA’s Hanco Germishuys were winners in the last two weeks and were very much in contention again.
9 – Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis) Right in the middle of the blitz was Goddard, who kept the pace frighteningly high and never let the New York defense settle. Scored one try with his signature support play, running off the shoulder of Billy Meakes.
10 – Mack Mason (Austin Gilgronis) Pulled the AG’s back from what was looking like defeat. Line break set up a try for Bryce Campbell, and he went 6 for 7 off the kicking tee for a personal haul of 15 points. New England’s Beaudein Waaka put his hand up yet again.
11 – Paula Balekana (New England Free Jacks) In and out of the lineup due to New England’s import limits, but he didn’t skip a beat against Seattle. Both tries he scored needed some finishing and Balekana was up to the task. Toronto’s Mitch Voralek and Houston’s Gerrie Labuschagne were also notable.
12 – Thretton Palamo (Old Glory DC) What a difference this man brings to DC’s offense. Any time the gainline needs to be breached, look to further. This was the toughest selection this week with Houston’s Louritz van der Schyff, ATL’s Will Leonard, and LA’s Billy Meakes all outstanding.
13 – Wayne van der Bank (New England Free Jacks) Just another week for the impressive Free Jacks midfielder. This time it’s van der Bank who gets his due both for his incisive running angles and punishing tackling. Mitch Richardson had probably his best game for the Arrows.
14 – Harley Wheeler (NOLA Gold) Might be a darkhorse for Eagles selection give the form he is starting to show. Chip ahead created an early score for Damian Stevens and Wheeler would get one himself in the second half. John Ryberg touched down twice for LA.
15 – Jordan Trainor (LA Giltinis) Imperious with ball in hand, he seemed to ghost through the slightest of gaps. Didn’t score any himself but set up two tries with line breaks. Seattle’s Mat Turner and Austin’s Chris Mattina were next in line.
