Toronto Wolves vs Old Glory DC
Our curtain raiser this weekend will feature the Toronto Wolves vs Old Glory DC who came up just short last time out against Rugby New York. The neutrals were all rooting for the Wolves to get a win in their 1st home game in over a 1000 days but Atlanta had other ideas. The Wolves are starting to find their rhythm and chemistry in their backrow that usually slows down those rucks and steals the balls, they will want to bounce back with a convincing win. DC has a new coach with a different style of play but will it be enough to snatch a win? They had New York loyals biting their nails in their last encounter but DC still
looks like a team crawling its way into this years competition. DC will not be a pushover and this match could well be about who makes the least errors and who converts their chances when opportunity arises
Match Prediction: Toronto Wolves to win
LA-Giltins vs Rugby New York
LA Giltins come into this encounter with confidence and resolve after an overwhelming win over a battered and struggling Dallas Jacks. Rugby New York, the log leaders of the Eastern Conference will look to draw from last weekend’s composure and grit in their hard fought win over the Old Glory DC. Like the times of the East Coast-West Coast Hip-Hop battle in the 90’s, both teams will look to battle for the soul of American Rugby, specifically its position on the continent. This match comes at time when fatigue and could play a pivotal role in the encounter, this could force the match to go down the wire if both teams go into it with their A-game. LA will look to their in-form 42 year old ancestor flyhalf Orene Ai’i to pull the strings, inspire magic in the midfield and control the tempo of the match. The LA home crowd will be looking to find their voice and be heard too. New York on the other hand will look on holding onto the ball as long as they can, slow the ball in the rucks and make their tackles.
Match Prediction: LA Giltins to win.
San Diego Legion vs Austin Gilgronis
San Diego had a huge win last time they were out against Utah whilst also missing star players Ma’a Nonu and Chris Robshaw. Joe Pieterson(Former Stomers flyhalf) was calm with his pin point foot and Bjorn Basson found space on the wing. The Legion played positive counter-rucking rugby and were aware of the space out wide giving no room for Utah to stage a comeback. It is no surprise that Austin Gilgronis are leading the pack in the Western Conference and are being tipped to with the League this season. With Mac Mason at flyhalf, they continuously rip through defences and almost all the time takes the ball over the advantage line. They protect it well, have a strong pack that can be menacing at times. Their outside centre O’Keefe has been stellar this season, runs hard and straight and makes his tackles. He is the x factor. Austin is a determined and composed side and will look to carry on with their impressive run of form.
Match Prediction: Austin Gilgronis to win.