SALT LAKE CITY – The NOLA Gold were named the Major League Rugby Team of the Week the League announced today. The Gold secured a crucial 24-20 win against the Houston SaberCats to put the team in playoff position halfway through the inaugural season.
After a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair in the opening 40 minutes, it was NOLA’s gritty defensive effort in the second half that ultimately sealed the win. A high tackle in the 54th minute from Houston’s Zach Pangelinan resulted in his second yellow card of the match, forcing the SaberCats to play a man down. NOLA wasted no time capitalizing with a Taylor Howden kick to give the Gold a 24-17 lead. That was all the home side needed to improve to 2-2.
Seattle’s Vili Toluta'u earned Player of the Week honors. Toluta'u led the Seawolves’ 41-point offensive onslaught with two tries and tremendous carries throughout the match. After a slow start against Utah’s fast and physical play, Seattle settled in with a strong defensive effort helped by Toluta'u’s high tackle rate.
MLR also announced the First XV:
Loosehead Prop, Alex Tucci, Utah Warriors
Hooker, Lote Tu'ipulotu, Utah Warriors
Tighthead Prop, Paul Mullen, Houston SaberCats
Left Lock, Matt Jensen, Utah Warriors
Right Lock, Matt Wirken, NOLA Gold
Blindside Flanker, Tesimoni Tongauiha, NOLA Gold
Openside Flanker, Matt Hughston, NOLA Gold
No 8., Riekert Hattingh, Seattle Seawolves
Scrum-half, Phil Mack, Seattle Seawolves
Fly-half, Sam Windsor, Houston SaberCats
Blindside Wing, Peter Tiberio, Seattle Seawolves
Inside Center, Paul Lasike, Utah Warriors
Outside Center, William Rasileka, Seattle Seawolves
Openside Wing, Malacchi Esdale, Houston SaberCats
Fullback, Mat Turner, Seattle Seawolves
For more news and notes from Week 5, visit usmlr.com.
2018 MLR Weekly Honors
Week 1
Team of the Week: Seattle Seawolves
Player of the Week: Phil Mack
Week 2
Team of the Week: San Diego Legion
Player of the Week: Zach Fenoglio
Week 3
Team of the Week: Austin Elite
Player of the Week: Anthony Salaber
Week 4
Team of the Week: Glendale Raptors
Player of the Week: Marcus Walsh