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It was a short week in terms of action with only four games played but there were some truly remarkable efforts with two significant results. The two games that did not have any influence on the playoff picture each provided strong entertainment value. With so many players away on test duty there were chances for others to take the limelight.
1 – Kevin Sullivan (NOLA Gold) Having played second fiddle to Eagles select Matt Harmon for most of the season, Sullivan produced the best game of his professional career against LA. Contributed numerous carries including one barging line break and tackled his socks off for 75 minutes.
2 – Pieter Jansen (New England Free Jacks) The lineout was vital in the win over New York and Jansen’s throwing was impeccable. Add in several tackles in a 76-minute effort and we have ourselves a winner.
3 – Marco Fepulea’i (LA Giltinis) Held his own in the scrum and his work rate in support was rewarded with a first half try. The Giltinis were still in the lead when he left the pitch after 68 minutes.
4 – Jackson Thiebes (New England Free Jacks) Dave Dennis wasn’t to blame for LA’s shortcomings but Thiebes was on another level against New York. Produced arguably his best game of the season with an enormous number of lineout takes and equal doses of ball carries and tackles.
5 – Rhyno Herbst (Seattle Seawolves) Billy Stewart put in a shift for NOLA, and Api Naikatini nearly touched down for Old Glory. Herbst continues to grow in presence for the Seawolves and had another strong match against San Diego, particularly with ball in hand.
6 – Cory Daniel (Old Glory DC) An impressive athlete who is just now starting to figure out the game after make the switch from collegiate wrestling. Grabbed one try with a sharp running angle. Very busy on both sides of the ball and a reliable lineout option.
7 – Tomás de la Vega (Toronto Arrows) Stood up in the absence of so many regulars with a mighty effort on both sides of the pitch. Nabbed one turnover and was harshly treated at another breakdown. Led the team in carries, tackles, and lineout takes. Joe Johnston a defensive standout for New England.
8 – Moni Tonga’uiha (NOLA Gold) Playing out of position at the back of the scrum and delivered a huge performance with several carries into traffic. New England’s Wian Conradie was equally worthy with another high impact showing against New York.
9 – Andrew Ferguson (Toronto Arrows) The Canadian international has slipped down the pecking order at the Arrows but reminded us of his class against Old Glory. Scored two tries with his second to go down as one of the best individual efforts of the season.
10 – Beaudein Waaka (New England Free Jacks) Couldn’t offer much in terms of goal kicking but he didn’t need it. Threated the line repeatedly and put in two brilliant grubbers that resulted in tries. Toronto’s Tayler Adams wasn’t far off with 12 points and sharp distribution.
11 – Joeli Tikoisuva (NOLA Gold) An absolute terror with ball in hand, Tikoisuva was inspirational until heading to the sidelines late in the game. Somehow broke through after pulling the ball from Hanno Dirksen’s hands in a tackle to score, and he bumped off Bill Meakes on another vital insurgence.
12 – Tiaan Loots (San Diego Legion) Johnny on the spot to grab JP Smith’s loose pass and create a try for Ryan Matyas, and a line break up the middle sent Cameron Clark free for another score. The contrast in styles partnering either Clark or Thomas Morani has worked well for the Legion since his arrival.
13 – Bill Meakes (LA Giltinis) Despite a couple missed tackles he was LA’s best player. Produced a huge number of carries and won a key breakdown turnover. Honorable mentions for San Diego’s Cameron Clark and New England’s Poasa Waqanibau.
14 – Hanno Dirksen (NOLA Gold) Stormed over for the winning try but he was quality throughout, taking on the Giltinis with every opportunity. Also had a busy day in defense and kept Adam Ashley-Cooper tied up all game. Ryan Matyas scored twice for San Diego.
15 – Cecil Afrika (San Diego Legion) The orchestrator of the Legion’s victory over Seattle. Thrived in the wide spaces and took the ball most of the way before Peter Malcolm touched down. His flat pass sent Matyas in for the second try.
