Week 11 kicks off with Old Glory DC facing off against the Utah Warriors and this promises to be a stimulating encounter between two sides that are desperate for a victory. Both these two teams have seen changes in the management benches in recent weeks, and Utah having not played last week have lost 3 in a row and are under immense pressure. The bye week might just prove to be a deciding factor and Utah will be looking to capitalize on DC’s fatigue problems. Old Glory Dc is still looking for their first win of the season and nothing would be more satisfying than to get it in front of their home crowd.
This looks like an even-matched affair but Utah have the advantage of the bye in their sleeves and will be looking to exploit it in the last 20 minutes of the game. One would place their money on the Utah Warriors but if quality of rugby and momentum are to be factored, then Old Glory are the team to root for.
In the next match, the LA Giltinis will square off against the Houston Sabercats and will be looking to avenge their Week 1 loss at Houston. The Giltinis are currently the team to beat when we look at form and the clinically of their game and have long since turned a corner after their not so compelling start in this year’s season. After a resounding victory over Eastern Conference rivals, Rugby New York, the Giltinis are now the favourite to win the tournament. The Sabercats received a confidence booster against a depleted Dallas Jacks in their last match, but will be wary of overconfidence over the Giltinis as they look to focus more on their breakdowns and their retention of the ball. One would certainly place their money on the Giltinis to win convincingly.
The Toronto Arrows will be facing off with NOLA this weekend and this also looks like an even matched game. The Arrows scraped off a narrow win last weekend against Old Glory DC. The Arrows are also struggling with injury problems and this has been depleting their squad whilst they are in the quest of qualifying for the playoffs. This injury crisis will play a huge role in the closing games of the season. NOLA on the other hand is still looking for their win at home and have had a season to forget so far. NOLA has the quality of players to challenge for a playoff spot but it seems that what lacks is a coherent game plan and chemistry between the players. In the way that things look, the Arrows have the advantage here and will be looking on their crowd to prove the difference.
Struggling Dallas Jacks will be playing against the table toppers of the Western Conference, the Austin Gilgronis. Austin last week was down at halftime but came back to win, they produced a scintillating 2nd half performance that displayed their class, grit and determination and the quality of depth in their squad. Whilst Dallas struggled immensely with keeping ball in hand and their set pieces, it will take an Everest effort to beat Austin. The Gilgronis are expected to win comfortably here and carry on their quest to win the Western Conference.
All three top teams of the Eastern Conference have a bye this weekend. And this much needed rest might place pressure on the Western Conference teams.