Arrows look to Capture the Flags
The Arrows head to our neighbours’ capital to battle Old Glory DC in a clash of 1-2-0 teams. The Arrows are riding a high after picking up their first win of 2023 on the back of a remarkable performance from Sam Malcolm last week in Chicago. Old Glory got off to a hot start by giving Chicago a rude welcome into the league, but have since dropped two in a row to New York and New England. The early Eastern Conference standings are tight with no team having more than 2 wins, meaning whoever comes out on top could see a dramatic leap up the ladder.
Starting XV
Toronto
Following the win, Peter Smith has opted for just a few tweaks in the week 5 lineup. Travis Larsen has landed on the injury/recovery list allowing the versatile Mason Flesch to move to blindside flanker. Replacing Flesch will be vice captain Mike Sheppard, who gets his first start of 2023 and will also earn his 50th MLR cap.
One change in the backline sees Fabian Goodall enter the lineup pushing Avery Oitomen to the bench. Ultimately, the configuration with Noel Reid and Tautalatasi Tasi in the midfield gives the Arrows plenty of powerful and dynamic running options as they swing the ball out wide. The final change is on the bench with Jack McRogers slotting in as the reserve hooker instead of Gene Syminton. Owain Ruttan is on the bench after not being used last week. The 5th overall pick could earn his first MLR cap tonight.
An additional noteworthy item provided by the Arrows is that Ramon Ayarza will start wearing #17, Nik Hildebrand will wear #2 off the bench, Fabian Goodall will wear no number, and Mitch Richardson will wear #14. This is due a jersey sizing issue.
Old Glory DC
Old Glory DC features three Canadians on their roster. Unfortunately, neither Cali Martinez, Gradyn Bowd, or Doug Fraser will be in the lineup tonight. Despite a lack of players hailing from the best rugby nation in the world, DC boasts a strong lineup most notably featuring an elite halfback pairing in Danny Tusitala and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla. In addition to the strong halfbacks, they will have New Zealand sevens star Kurt Baker at fullback. The big names in the pack Cory Daniel, who led the league in tackles in 2022, captain Jamason Fa’nana-Schultz, and Puma Ramiro Herrara at tighthead prop.
Player to Watch
Sam Malcolm put in arguably the best individual performance in MLR history last week as he scored all 27 points in a 27-26 win over Chicago. The big question this week is what will he do for an encore? It will be a huge matchup this as Ross Braude and Malcolm go head to head with Tusitala and Diaz Bonilla. Both flyhalves find themselves in the top 5 of league scoring with Malcolm at 2 and Diaz Bonilla in a tie for 3rd (they are only separated by one point). Ultimately, discipline on both sides will be key as both flyhavles are capable of turning all penalties into points. The battle at the halfbacks will also be key to controlling possession and territory in the match. Braude and Malcolm were masterful last week, but will need a repeat performance to leave DC with a win tonight.
Storylines
Mike Sheppard’s 50th Cap
Mike Sheppard will become the 4th Canadian and second Arrow to reach the 50th cap milestone in MLR. Sheppard has been a stalwart with the Arrows dating back to the Ontario Arrows days prior to the club joining MLR. Sheppard has been a constant feature in the Arrows’ leadership group serving as either a captain or vice captain throughout the club’s history. For episode 153 of Le Rouge Rugby Podcast we had a great interview with Sheppard going over his entire rugby career to date and the promise of 5 Shields in the future. You can check out that episode here.
Pack Mentality
The Arrows’ pack was great against Chicago last week. The scrum won plenty of penalties and set the platform for some attacking plays. The lineout connected well and the maul looked good. They hit rucks hard, followed up in support and had some big carries led by Tyler Rowland and the rest of the front row. Another big game from the pack will be key for Arrows victory tonight. To highlight a strong performance, it would be great to see a forward dot down for a try. The Arrows pack have been held off the score board for the first three games of the season. That does not mean they haven’t played well in attack. A good set piece and solid phase play helped set up two tries and the drop goal last week. It would just be great to see their efforts get rewarded on the scoreboard this week.
The Toronto Arrows will look to extend Old Glory DC’s losing streak tonight on TSN+, TSN.ca, and The Rugby Network. The match will kickoff off at 7pm ET! You can follow along by following @lerougerugby or @BressetteTheJet on twitter!