Major League Rugby 2019 Season: Week 1 Power Rankings
February 1, 2019The Major League Rugby 2019 season could not have kicked off any more exciting with all four matches in the opening week having been decided within one score. Here are The Fan Verdict’s MLR power rankings after one week of play:
1. Seattle Seawolves (1-0 | 4pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Win 20-18 (vs.GLE)
The Seattle Seawolves start off their 2019 campaign right where they ended last season. The Seawolves ability to force turnovers and quickly capitalize provided them with the win over a strong Glendale Raptors squad in a MLR 2018 championship rematch. Seattle’s hardnose defense was successful at meeting the Raptors at the gainline and applying pressure at every breakdown causing penalties and turnovers. This was then followed by a deadly counterattack that was effective in open space due to great support and ball carrying. Seattle appeared to be one of the best teams this week at open field play. That and Seattle’s transition game is what puts them on top week 1 and reaffirms why they won it all last season.
Week 2 matchup: @ San Diego Legion
2. Glendale Raptors (0-1 | 1pt)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Loss 20-18 (@SEA)
Despite their loss to the Seawolves in Week 1, the Glendale Raptors fall close behind in the rankings. They led for most of the game and showed at times how they can dominate possession. The Raptors were effective at building phases often causing Seawolves frustration resulting in penalties that led to easy points on the board. Their defense was hard hitting and solid but could not contain a deadly Seawolves counterattack off of their turnovers. Regardless, the Raptors showed why they were last year’s runner-ups and look to have a real chance to take it all this year.
Week 2 matchup: @ NOLA Gold
3. NOLA Gold (1-0 | 5pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Win 36-31 (vs.TOR)
The NOLA gold show off their athleticism in their first game of the season against the Toronto Arrows. Their back line was the star of the show moving it from sideline to sideline in a blink of an eye. The combination of quick ball movement and fantastic support makes them deadly in open space. They were able to gain massive yardage on few phases due to this which was key to pinning the Toronto Arrows in their own zone for much of the first half. Their forwards are athletic and can move across the entire park to support their quick ball movement. 8-man and US International player, Cam Dolan, was a prime example of this, making it seem he was everywhere on the pitch. NOLA’s defense remained strong for a large part of the game but began to break down in the 2nd half. However, capitalizing with two quick tries on an Arrows yellow card late in the 1st half and a highlight reel try by South African, Tristan Blewett, to close the game out was enough to hold off Toronto’s 2nd half surge to take the win. It looks like NOLA have made major improvements since their 6th place finish last year but will have to learn to stay composed for a full 80 minutes to remain successful.
4. Rugby United New York (1-0 | 4pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Win 25-23 (@SDL)
Rugby United New York’s showing in week 1 proves they belonged in the MLR. New York was able to move the ball well and was successful at finding gaps in the San Diego defense. This can be largely attributed to strong ball carrier support that ran dynamic lines off the ball, opening up holes in the Legion defensive line. RUNY was able to create an ample amount of scoring opportunities but sometimes failed to capitalize with late phase play mistakes and handling errors. New York also minimized their possession by sometimes kicking the ball away without purpose and effectiveness. RUNY is sure to be happy with their franchises first MLR win but also know more improvements can be made.
Next week’s matchup: Bye
5. San Diego Legion (0-1 | 1pt)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Loss 25-23 (vs.RUNY)
The San Diego Legion was a team of two faces in their match against RUNY. The match was bookended with a slow start and a poor performance late. Major errors towards the end of the game cost them, showing a lack of composure and patience when it came down to the wire. However, during the middle parts of the game the Legion looked lethal. They ran dynamic lines while running with pace onto the ball. Their defense was resilient especially within their own 22m that prevented RUNY from scoring. Positively, they still were able to remain competitive in a game where they weren’t playing their best for the full 80min. The Legion will look to play like they did in the middle parts of the match for the full 80min to get into the win column next week.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Seattle Seawolves
6. Toronto Arrows (0-1 | 2pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Loss 36-31 (@NOLA)
The Toronto Arrows looked lost in the early portions of the game and were welcomed quickly to the league with an early try by the NOLA Gold. A late 1st half yellow card did not help that resulted in two quick tries that dug them in a deep hole. They relied heavily on their forward play to move up and down the field but struggled to build phases early in the game. The Arrows had a hard time moving the ball through more than two players hands and often struggled to get it out wide to space. However, once they were able to build phases especially in the 2nd half, they were able to move the ball well down the field and finally get it out wide. The Arrows were able to sneak out with a bonus point but will look to start off stronger in hopes of getting their first MLR win.
Week 2 matchup: Bye
7. Austin Elite Rugby (0-1 | 1pt)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Loss 21-20 (vs.HOU)
The Austin Elite just sneak past the Houston SaberCats in the power rankings despite losing to them in week 1. Mistakes were evident including a multitude of handling errors due to the poor weather but, the biggest reason for their loss was a lack of discipline. Penalties cost them the game with all their points allowed coming off penalty conversions. The bad weather did however give them a chance to showcase their solid forward play both effective in the mall and in open field play. Both of their tries came as a result from their forward pack efforts. Their lack of discipline ultimately cost them, in a game they probably feel they should have won.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Utah Warriors
8. Houston SaberCats (1-0 | 2pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 1 result: Win 21-10 (@AUS)
The Houston SaberCats come out of Week 1 at the bottom of the Power Rankings despite opening their 2019 season with a win. Wet conditions clearly had an effect in their match against the Austin Elite riddling them with handling errors. The SaberCats were not able to establish a continuity, often struggling to build phases and keeping the ball in hand. Houston’s win was a product of Austin Elite’s lack of discipline and Sam Windsor’s precision in the kicking game rather than superior play. They capitalized the penalties that gave them all their 21 points including a last play kick that sealed the game. They stole their week 1 game but won’t be able to rely on the lack of discipline in the future. They will have to learn how to get past the goal line next week if they want to continue their success.
Week 2 matchup: Bye
N/A Utah Warriors (0-0 | 0pts)
Last week ranking: N/A
Week 2 matchup: @Austin Elite Rugby
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