Round Ten Preview
May 20, 2021 - Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release
Major League Rugby fans don't have to wait long for a return to action this week. The first place LA Giltinis take on second place Austin Gilgronis in a pivotal Western Conference match on Wednesday night. Take a look ahead at that game and the rest of the weekend's action below.
LA Giltinis at Austin Gilgronis
Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Watch on FS2
"The Battle of the Gils" will kick things off early on Wednesday evening in what should be a thrilling 1 vs. 2 matchup. Both teams are riding high, coming off victories against two of the league's other best teams.
What's at Stake: Bragging rights and a chance to close the gap in the West. It's been no secret that LA and Austin are owned by some of the same group under Adam Gilchrist. There's familiarity amongst these teams. Due to its blistering start, LA would still be in first place even if it takes the loss, but Austin would turn up the drama in the West by narrowing the gap to a one-match lead.
Final Score: 3-17 LA
Utah Warriors at NOLA Gold
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Both of these teams are looking to get back on the front foot after taking an L last week and falling out of playoff position.
What's at Stake: The winners will likely hop right back into playoff position in their conference. The losers will be on the outside looking in.
Bold Prediction: Both of these teams will fight tooth and nail to avoid a midseason losing streak amidst battles for the top spots. Give NOLA the edge in a home thriller, 38-35.
Old Glory DC at Houston Sabercats
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Old Glory and Houston currently sit near the bottom of the league standings, though DC is in better position overall in the tight Eastern Conference. Old Glory is coming off a win over a resurgent Seattle team, while Houston is mired in a four-game losing streak.
What's at Stake: A win would be huge for DC's playoff chances. That ship may have sailed already for Houston.
Bold Prediction: Old Glory gets prepared to make a second half run and wins this one 28-20.
New England Free Jacks at Rugby United New York
Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET | Watch on CBS Sports Network
The New England Free Jacks won the first iteration of the newest New York-Boston/New England rivalry in sports. Both teams are coming off of a loss and know how much a win can swing the standings in the East.
What's at Stake: Being in playoff position as we hurdle into the second half of the season, or having some work to do to make up ground.
Bold prediction: New York faced a tough task in trying to knock off LA and Austin in consecutive weeks. Back at home, it has its vengeance against New England, 24-17.
Rugby ATL at Seattle Seawolves
Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
This match features two teams at opposite ends of the standings, in first place in the East for Atlanta and last in the league for Seattle.
What's at stake: Staying on top of the East in Atlanta's case. Showing continued improvement in Seattle's.
Bold Prediction: I like the fight this Seattle team has shown since the coaching change, even though it's still just 1-2 since. Give me the Seawolves at home, 18-13.
WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER DIEGEL FOR THE RUGBY NETWORK
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