MLR 2022 – ARN Team of the Week – Round 9

We have now reached the midpoint of the Major League Rugby season and the playoff picture is taking shape. This past weekend saw first overall New England tested by NOLA, while Austin gave Houston a thorough beating. LA are back in the race, and the Arrows are reeling as their injuries continue to pile up.

1 – Andrew Tuala (LA Giltinis) His first start of the season at loosehead prop having played hooker to start the campaign. Tuala didn’t miss a beat, in fact he looked might be even better without the burden of throwing at the lineout. Two tries is always a decent day at the office for a front rower.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (LA Giltinis) This week was a little more subdued than his performance in Seattle, but Big Joe was excellent again for the Giltinis. While the move back to hooker might be problematic for Eagles selectors, his form certainly isn’t a concern. Eric Howard had a busy game for NOLA.

3 – Mason Pedersen (Austin Gilgronis) ‘The Hitman’ had a time for the AG’s, rumbling with ball in hand and making a couple big sticks. Scored one try and more than held his own in the set piece. John-Roy Jenkinson was a beast in the scrum for ATL, and Charlie Abel completed an impressive LA front row.

4 – Tevita Naqali (Old Glory DC) Has added a bit of grunt and ball carrying to the OG pack since returning from injury. Naqali’s spin pass to send Junior Sa’u into the corner against New York was a thing of beauty.

5 – Luke White (LA Giltinis) Is he a prop or a lock? It doesn’t seem to matter. The big fella brings his trademark physicality wherever and whenever he plays. Against Dallas he thumped about the pitch and provided a constant source of go-forward. Ben Grant had a good game for San Diego.

6 – Will Tucker (Rugby New York) Honorable mentions to Mike Matarazzo of Dallas and Austin’s Locky McCaffrey, but Tucker was on fire against Old Glory. Crossed for a try in the first half and set up one for Conor McManus in the second half. All on top of his usual set piece output.

7 – Connor Cook (Rugby ATL) The Ratlers may have been slightly fortunate to get the win against Toronto, but Cook was full value for a tremendous all-around performance. Seemed to be all over the pitch in the absence of skipper Matt Heaton. LA’s Christian Poidevin was prominent against the Jackals.

8 – Tevita Tameilau (San Diego Legion) Men this big shouldn’t be able to dance like Tameilau did against the Warriors. Repeatedly drew in defenders and beat several by himself, and rewarded with a try in the first half. Jason Damm is starting to get his legs back for ATL after several months on the shelf.

9 – Sam Malcolm (Toronto Arrows) Started at flyhalf but moved to scrumhalf in the first half when Chris Bell went down. Malcolm gave the Arrows every chance of winning regardless. Also kicked three penalty goals to salvage a bonus point. Damian Stevens was one of NOLA’s best against New England.

10 – Mike Dabulas (Old Glory DC) Another superb outing that will be very much in the minds of Eagles selectors. Scored a ridiculous solo try and created another for Junior Sa’u. The only mark against him was a couple conversion misses. Tip of the cap to LA’s Orene Ai’i and Austin’s Mack Mason.

11 – Bjorn Basson (San Diego Legion) Three wingers stood out this week but only two can get the call. Basson’s the swing-man after switching sides against Utah, so we’ll have him on the left. Scored two tries himself and set up Jason Higgins on another line break. Julián Domínguez grabbed a double for Austin and only narrowly missed out this week.

12 – Le Roux Malan (New England Free Jacks) Ripped through for a try just two minutes into the match against NOLA. His partnership with Wayne van der Bank completely dominated their opposites with Malan’s ability to mix it up confounding defenses each week.

13 – Tyler Fisher (Utah Warriors) As mentioned above van der Bank impressed for New England and Ben LeSage was back in top form for LA. Utah didn’t have a lot going for them but Fisher was an exception. Scored two tries himself and created the third for Calvin Whiting.

14 – Zach Bastres (New England Free Jacks) The third-rounder from Division 2 Northern Colorado suddenly looks to be the steal of the Collegiate Draft. Showed impressive aerial skills and serious pace in the win over NOLA. The Free Jacks have themselves a keeper.

15 – JP Eloff (NOLA Gold) More outstanding counter-attacking from Eloff who has been a breath of fresh air to the Gold attack since returning. He does look susceptible to the high ball but every time he has possession alarm bells start ringing. Jordan Trainor looked classy for LA.