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The kick-off to America's newest professional rugby competition, Major League Rugby (MLR), is approaching quickly. It's exciting that it's almost here and for something to think about until the season begins, I have provided ladder tips and picks based on squad depth and preseason performances.
Let's see where the 7 inaugural MLR teams are tipped to end up on the ladder.
7th Position: Austin
Pre Season Record: 0-3
Watch out for: Hanco Germishuys (USA National Team)
One of the earliest formed and most organised MLR teams have struggled to find their groove in its pre-season matches. It was a tough call to pick Austin Elite for the bottom of the ladder, but on the sparse existing evidence of 3 losses, one of which was a decisive one to New Orleans, it was the most likely choice. Austin have a strong forward unit and some experienced players. Expect them to improve immensely on their pre-season form. I don't believe they will be pushovers or easy beats as evidenced by their close 32-24 to San Diego. The inaugural MLR squads are so evenly matched that they could easily find themselves in the top 2.
6th Position: Seattle
Pre Season Record: 0-0
Player Watch: Tim Metcher (Melbourne Super Rugby)
They are an unknown as their only scheduled pre-season match ended up being cancelled. The Seattle squad includes some talent in terms of forwards with veteran Canadian Ray Barkwill, Olive Kilifi and Tim Metcher who has 7 Super Rugby Caps. If their backs can hold up their end, they should do nicely. Turning up to round 1 without any previous matches up their sleeve is not ideal and might hurt them.
5th Position: Utah
Pre Season Record: 0-2
Watch out for: Fet'u Vainikolo (Tonga Leading Try Scorer)
The men from Salt Lake City have been a ridiculously exciting (albeit at times frustrating) team to watch. Anybody who saw their pre-season matches against Ontario and Glendale will tell you that they have some serious wrecking machines (ie Paul Lasike) and exciting players (Whippy brothers).
Perhaps they could have done with a couple of extra hitouts before the main season to sort out some kinks as they have had a plethora of issues with their set-piece and goal kicking. Once they clear up these fundamentals, they could prove to be extremely dangerous. Tongan fly half Kurt Morath will be joining the team and should be a much needed additional steady head.
4th Position: New Orleans
Pre Season Record: 2-1-2
Player watch: Sebastian Kalm (formerly Ohio Aviators)
NOLA were predicted by many pundits to struggle. Louisiana isn't known traditionally for being a strong rugby base. Preseason form though has suggested they will do well and hold their own based on victories over Austin Elite and a draw with the more experienced Houston Sabercats. Extra additions to their backline might be necessary to really push for a grand final spot.
3rd Position: San Diego
Pre Season Record: 1-1
Player watch: Mike Te'o (USA National Team)
San Diego were the final franchise added to the 2018 season and have been playing catch up ever since. They have recruited well though, announcing a mountain of nationally capped players to add to their roster.
The problem is that most of them will be playing in their seriously stacked backline with names like Taku Ngwenya, Ryan Matyas and Nate Auspurger. The only team from California are a bit light on in the forwards and this could be a huge weakness. If the fellas up front can punch above their weight, they could take out the whole tournament unbeaten. It's just a question of how quickly they can reach their potential.
2nd Position: Houston
Pre Season Record: 12-2-2
Player watch: Osea Kolinisau (Fiji 7s Olympics)
The Sabercats are by far the most battle-tested club having played 16 preseason matches. Their only losses have been to a strong Uruguay national team and potential MLR candidates, Ontario. On paper, they might not have as much experience as the others but they have developed well together and it's apparent (from the outside) they have created a strong club culture.
Their gritty performance in defeat to Uruguay and comeback win away over San Diego sets them up as serious contenders.
1st Position: Glendale
Pre Season Record: 3-0
Player Watch: Shaun Davies (USA Capped Player)
Undisputedly the team to beat, the Glendale Raptors have brought their strong national club form to their professional outfit, going through undefeated against New York Athletic Club, Utah and New Orleans. The Coloradans feature a cohesive unit of players who are used to playing alongside each other.
A clinical 42-15 victory over a debuting Utah has been the most telling moments of what we might see this season. Utah brought a squad of players every bit as good as Glendale's, but were unable to set a consistent structure and rhythm which are features of a team that have experience playing together, something Glendale have in bucket loads.
They have set the standard but other teams definitely have the players to take them, it will just be a case of gelling together as well as them.
