March Madness

Although Rugby United New York is riding the high of a three game win streak, one of the most challenging stretches of the 2020 season is directly ahead. Over the next four weeks, the Roosters are taking on the San Diego Legion (4-0), Seattle Seawolves (1-3), Toronto Arrows (4-0), and Old Glory DC (3-1). The cumulative record of the four teams is 12-4. This is March Madness.

Week Five: at San Diego Legion (4-0)

Western Conference #1, League #1

The Legion are arguably the best team in the league at this current point in the season. They have beaten the Seawolves, Raptors, Free Jacks, and Gold. The team is enjoying fine form from World Class inside center Ma’a Nonu, bringing even more firepower to an already loaded backline. With the arrival of fly half Luke Burton in San Diego, veteran Joe Peitersen is back playing his preferred position of fullback. A duo of Eagle front rowers also signed with San Diego this past offseason in hooker Peter Malcolm and prop Paul Mullen.

Week Six: Seattle Seawolves (1-3)

Western Conference #3, League #9

The Seawolves are off to a weird start in the 2020 season. The back-to-back champions have only won one of their four contests. Somehow, they are still in prime position to grab the number two seed in the Western conference. Don’t let their record fool you, they are still a very dangerous team. Ben Cima is back playing after a few weeks spent on the sideline due to injury. While the Seattle faithful have yet to see an impact performance from preseason signee Andrew Durutalo, you have to think they’ll get one soon.

Week Seven: Toronto Arrows (4-0)

Eastern Conference #1, League #2

Besides the Legion, the Toronto Arrows are the only other undefeated team. They started off the season with two wins against the Texas teams. Their most impressive contest to date was in Week Three, when they travelled up to Seattle and dismantled the reigning champs in their 2020 home opener. Last week, they took care of business against a scrappy Atlanta side and walked away with a ten point win. They have been impressive at times, but were lucky to walk away with the win against Houston (some people are saying).

Week Eight: Old Glory DC (3-1)

Eastern Conference #3, League #4

This early on in the new season, the team from Washington’s performance might be the biggest surprise. After a really bad showing against NOLA in their league debut, Old Glory has won three games in a row. Most impressively, they beat the Seawolves after a back and forth battle during week Two. After that, they have travelled on the road and beat the Sabercats and the other team from Texas. It is tough to gauge how good they are, to be honest. The big offseason signing, Tendai Mtawarira, has been sidelined due to injury recently. It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, that is a big loss.

In conclusion, March is going to be wild. Buckle up, Rooster fans. Get your tickets for the 2020 home opener against the Seattle Seawolves today.