Round Fifteen Preview
Published on June 24, 2021 under Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release
Rugby United New York at Toronto Arrows
Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
The Toronto Arrows rang up a season high 53 points on New York back in late April. A lot has changed since then as NY has emerged as one of a handful of true contenders across the league, while Toronto has slid into last place in the East.
What's at Stake: New York can afford no slip ups as it continues to fight a tight four-way battle for two playoff spots in the East.
Bold Prediction: New York is the first on the weekend to exact some vengeance with a 28-20 victory.
NOLA Gold at New England Free Jacks
Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET | Watch on CBS Sports Network
This could be the game that the loser looks back as the one that made or broke their playoff chances. NOLA won the teams' first match by the slimmest of margins, 30-29.
What's at Stake: While close to the top, both teams are on the outside looking in of the playoff picture at the moment. Neither can afford a loss to drop them back further at this point in the season.
Bold Prediction: New England is at home and refreshed after the bye week. It's enough to split the season series, 17-14.
Utah Warriors at Houston SaberCats
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
It's been a long road for Houston since it put a scare into Utah in a 50-43 Week 6 loss. The Warriors have grabbed control of a playoff spot while the SaberCats have bottomed out with a nine-game losing streak.
What's at Stake: Utah cannot afford a slip up with Austin just five points behind and on a three-game win streak.
Bold Prediction: The Warriors take care of business, 38-21.
Old Glory DC at Rugby ATL
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Old Glory took down Rugby ATL back in April, before Atlanta really heated up and established itself as one of Major League Rugby's best. DC now hits the road and tries to notch an upset win and finish the season sweep.
What's at Stake: Atlanta has spent a good chunk of the season on top of the Eastern Conference. However, with New York just five points back and holding the game in hand, ATL cannot afford to take its foot off the gas.
Bold Prediction: Atlanta takes the home win to avoid the season sweep. 24-17 ATL.
Austin Gilgronis at San Diego Legion
Saturday at 10:00 p.m. ET | Watch on FS1
Austin is looking to avenge a loss from all the way back in Week Two of the season. The rosters have evolved a good bit since then, but the narrow 14-11 match indicates we should have another good one on our hands.
What's at Stake: One more loss mathematically eliminates San Diego from the playoffs. Austin is also on the outside looking in, but faces a much more manageable five-point deficit. It needs the win to keep Utah in striking distance.
Bold Prediction: Austin takes care of business to keep the pressure on Utah. 31-28 AGs.
LA Giltinis at Seattle Seawolves
Sunday at 10:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
LA blew out Seattle 57-26 in Week Two, though the Seawolves have undergone a facelift as it continues a rebuilding process. The team has played much better of late, but still been unable to secure a win.
What's at Stake: These team's rankings are pretty secure at this point in the season. However, Seattle is desperate to end the skid of narrow losses, while LA won't want to let Utah creep any closer for the top seed in the West.
Bold Prediction: Seattle hangs tough but falls short at home, 34-27.
WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER DIEGEL FOR THE RUGBY NETWORK
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
