Round Twelve Preview
Published on June 3, 2021 under Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release
Some distance could be had, or things could get even tighter in the Eastern Conference as NOLA Gold seeks vengeance against East-leading Rugby ATL. The Texas Cup is on the line elsewhere across the league and a couple of other teams will look to play the role of spoiler as we reach the season's later stages.
Austin Gilgronis at Houston Sabercats
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Austin is reeling a bit after two straight losses knocked the team out of playoff position. Houston, mired in a six-game losing streak, might be the remedy.
What's at Stake: Now five points behind Utah, Austin can ill-afford another loss. The SaberCats are playing for pride at this point. And of course, the Texas Cup will be on the line for these Lone Star State rivals.
Bold Prediction: Austin gets it done with a 24-3 victory of Houston for the season sweep.
Rugby ATL at NOLA Gold
Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET | Watch on CBS Sports Network
This is the game of the weekend. It's got the regional rivalry appeal, the vengeance factor (Rugby ATL downed NOLA 38-28 at home back in April), and the game could be looked back on as the one that defined the Eastern Conference playoff positions.
What's at Stake: NOLA could close the gap to one point behind Atlanta, with a game in hand with the victory. An Atlanta win distances the Eastern Conference leaders from the #3 seed by as many as eleven points, and makes it a three-game advantage for the league's first tiebreaker category (wins).
Bold Prediction: It's very difficult to pick against red hot Atlanta right now. But give me NOLA fresh off the bye and at home to add even more intrigue to the Eastern Conference. 31-28 Gold.
San Diego Legion at Toronto Arrows
Sunday at 12:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
San Diego is riding high with a maximum of ten league points accrued in its last two games to crawl back into the playoff picture. Toronto has fallen off, losers of three out of four after popping off for 105 points in two wins back in April.
What's at Stake: San Diego would truly re-enter the playoff picture with another strong win Sunday. Toronto is trying to get out of the East's basement and muster a late rally.
Bold prediction: The Legion are back training at home and getting healthy at the right time. 41-31 San Diego.
Old Glory DC at New England Free Jacks
Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET | Watch on FS2
Old Glory had its two-game win streak snapped in perhaps its worst game of the season. New England evened its record and moved up to fourth in the East with its win over Toronto.
What's at Stake: The winner of this game will be convinced it can make a late run at a playoff spot. The loser might be cooked.
Bold Prediction: Give me New England at home, 18-15.
Utah Warriors at Seattle Seawolves
8:00 p.m. ET | Stream on The Rugby Network
Utah is riding high after blowing out Austin and seizing control of the West's second seed. Seattle regrouped in the bye week and will try to muster a strong end to a trying season. What's at Stake: Utah needs the win to stay above .500 and remain in strong hold of that second playoff spot.
Bold Prediction: Wouldn't Austin and San Diego love it if Seattle could play the spoiler role? Sure, but unlikely. 38-24 Utah.
WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER DIEGEL FOR THE RUGBY NETWORK
Major League Rugby Stories from June 3, 2021
- Rugby ATL's Conor Keys Ahead of "Big, Physical" Battle at the Gold Mine - Rugby ATL
- Round Twelve Preview - MLR
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