MLR 2020 Review – Austin Gilgronis

What a difference a year makes. At the end of the 2019 season Austin, then the Elite, were the odds-on favorites to be the first Major League Rugby franchise to either fold or relocate. Up until weeks before the 2020 campaign kicked off, in fact, most pundits were still wondering how the team would conjure anything resembling success.

Two name changes, two stadium switches, new ownership, new coaches, and scores of new players later… and suddenly things were on the up-and-up in Central Texas. In a short span of five weeks they even managed to turn their on-field fortunes around.

RESULTS

It was a rough start to the season as the Gilgronis suffered a thumping defeat to East Conference trend-setters Toronto in the first ever MLR game at Bold Stadium. There were glimpses of hope, defiance even, as they scored four tries against New York in Las Vegas the following weekend.

A turning point came in the third week of the season. After 20 consecutive defeats, Austin were denied a famous result when Kalolo Tuiloma’s last-gasp try let Utah escape with a draw. A poor opening half cost the AG’s a loss to Old Glory in San Antonio, but the duck finally broke at Houston where the visitors would taste victory for the first time since June 2018 in what would turn out to be their final match of 2020.

TOP PERFORMERS

Injuries and visa delays made for some interesting lineups and opportunities. Tiaan Erasmus impressed at hooker while young tighthead prop Mason Pedersen took a big step towards his goal of playing for the Eagles. Giant second row Maikeli Naromaitoga shed some excess weight during the preseason and proved a formidable ball carrier while openside flanker Moe Abdelmonem continued to shine at the breakdown.

Zinzan Elan-Puttick assumed the captaincy and played in the unusual position of flyhalf. He was an unconventional option but led from the front and allowed Rodrigo Silva to switch to his preferred fullback spot. Peni Tagive started well at outside center but ultimately struggled with consistency.

NEW NAMES

With 17 players making their Austin debut over just five weeks there were plenty of new names to become familiar with. Potu Leavasa was a popular figure with his uncompromising play and ability to cover lock and loose forward. Dominic Akina and Lino Saunitoga both punched above their weight in a back row trio that was both the lightest and quickest in the league.

Corey Jones and Rodrick Waters were pleasant surprises on the wings, while Gabe Farley‘s defensive prowess earned him the starting inside center spot. Hirsute lock Luca Tani arrived as a relative unknown and showed some promise in his limited time as a replacement.

The big guns began to arrive with All Blacks duo Jamie Mackintosh and Frank Halai making immediate impressions. Similarly Pele Cowley, Kurt Morath, and Will Magie each played their part in the win over Houston but sadly their impact came to an abrupt end no thanks to the pandemic.

MISSING MEN

Injuries held back two key forwards as Brazilian front row Wilton Rebolo made no regular season appearances and South African lock Rikus Zwart managed just one. Lindenwood flanker Michael de Waal and former Eagles midfielder Roland Suniula were others who didn’t take the field at all.

More reinforcements were on the way but ultimately didn’t make it in time. Australian flanker Maclean Jones and Wallabies centurion Adam Ashley-Cooper were left waiting for a visa. Another Lindenwood recruit, Wesley White, left during the preseason while Pacific pair Dan Faleafa and Enele Malele were announced as signings but didn’t end up joining the team.

HOME BASE

The stands weren’t exactly full at Bold Stadium and we’ll never know how quickly that might have turned around after the win and some roster upgrades. As a venue it is undoubtedly superior to the previous homes in Round Rock and while the location might not be ideal for some, Austin’s shuttle bus option is a positive solution that could see more fans queuing up in 2021.

WISH LIST

Stability is the key for Austin. Keeping Mick Byrne and his coaching staff in place will be the first priority. Assuming the bulk of the squad is returning next season, the team on paper looks significantly stronger than it did as recently as January of this year.

Another quality lock or loose forward would be a welcome addition, and Round Rock native Christian Ostberg fits that bill to a tee. It would allow Leavasa or Zwart to concentrate more on the back row which was short of muscle at times. Jones would also add quality on the flank in an otherwise competitive pack.

The backline now looks in reasonable shape though one does wonder if Marcelo Torrealba and Rodrigo Silva might look south to the new Súper Liga. Ashley-Cooper will be 37 come next season and has likely missed his MLR window. A dynamic midfielder could see Halai move to his more accustomed wing spot.

OUTLOOK

Austin are no longer the whipping boys of MLR. This is a team on the rise and if Byrne can improve their individual skills in the off-season they could be legitimate playoff contenders in 2021. It’s now up to the marketing gurus to help generate the ’16th man’ in the stands. Judging by what we’ve seen so far, they are very much up for the challenge.