Tonight in Washington, D.C. will be the 89th MLB All-Star Game being held at Nationals Park. With both the American League and National League tied at 43 wins and two ties each, this game will be a tiebreaker of sorts. Let’s preview each team’s roster:

National League

Starting Lineup

1. Javier Baez-2B, Chicago Cubs
2. Nolan Arenado-3B, Colorado Rockies
3. Paul Goldschmidt-DH, Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Freddie Freeman-1B, Atlanta Braves
5. Matt Kemp-LF, Los Angeles Dodgers
6. Bryce Harper-CF, Washington Nationals
7. Nick Markakis-RF, Atlanta Braves
8. Brandon Crawford-SS, San Francisco Giants
9. Willson Contreras-C, Chicago Cubs

SP: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

This is a very good lineup as there is power from every hole, but the hardest part will be facing the very top of the lineup as Baez, Arenado, and Goldschmidt are very powerful and have the advantage over Chris Sale (the American League starting pitcher). The middle part with Freeman, Kemp, and Harper is very difficult, but with Chris Sale on the mound for the AL, the AL holds that advantage. The bottom part with Markakis, Crawford, and Contreras is at a disadvantage if they face Sale as well, but Contreras might be the hardest batter to face in that part of the lineup. Expect Scherzer to throw a lot of gas especially in front of his home crowd.

Reserves

Position Players

Yadier Molina-C, St. Louis Cardinals

Buster Posey-C, San Francisco Giants

J.T. Realmuto-C, Miami Marlins

Jesus Aguilar-1B, Milwaukee Brewers

Joey Votto-1B, Cincinnati Reds

Ozzie Albies-2B, Atlanta Braves

Scooter Gennett-2B, Cincinnati Reds

Eugenio Suarez-3B, Cincinnati Reds

Trevor Story-SS, Colorado Rockies

Charlie Blackmon-OF, Colorado Rockies

Lorenzo Cain-OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Christian Yelich-OF, Milwaukee Brewers

A lot of first time players here, but this is also a very stacked bench. The three catchers are in the top five of the best in the entire MLB. The Reds also sent three of their most productive bats in Gennett, Votto, and Suarez and you can see them being used strategically (Suarez especially as he could be used as a pinch hitter with runners in scoring position). Cain and Yelich could be used as late defensive replacements, but if the game goes into extra innings, they are productive bats. Aguilar, Blackmon, and Story will like be early replacements in the game and Albies could be used as a pinch runner.

Pitchers

Patrick Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets

Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals

Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves

Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks

Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers

Brad Hand, San Diego Padres

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers

Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers

Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs

Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

Ross Stripling, Los Angeles Dodgers

Felipe Vazquez, Pittsburgh Pirates

The bullpen for this squad is very good, but there are a lot of underrated players in here like Ross Stripling and Mike Foltynewicz. Nola and Mikolas have come out of nowhere and have been very good. Josh Hader has been the talk of baseball as he has been practically unhittable. Kenley Jansen is no doubt the best closer in baseball, but he will have some help from Brad Hand, Sean Doolittle, and Jeremy Jeffress. The rest of the pitchers are having outstanding seasons, but expect Lester to come in either early or late in the contest. Greinke could come in after Scherzer so look out for that.

 

American League

Starting Lineup

1. Mookie Betts-RF, Boston Red Sox
2. Jose Altuve-2B, Houston Astros
3. Mike Trout-CF, Los Angeles Angels
4. J.D. Martinez-DH, Boston Red Sox
5. Jose Ramirez-3B, Cleveland Indians
6. Aaron Judge-LF, New York Yankees
7. Manny Machado-SS, Baltimore Orioles
8. Jose Abreu-1B, Chicago White Sox
9. Salvador Perez-C, Kansas City Royals (playing in place of injured Tampa Bay Rays’ Wilson Ramos)

SP: Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox

This lineup is absolutely scary. There are no easy outs here, but a lack of a left handed bat could be troublesome. Ramirez can hit from the left side as he is a switch hitter, but the rest are right handed hitters. However, this lineup is so good that Jose Abreu, normally a third hole or cleanup hitter, is hitting eighth. Sale is undoubtedly the best pitcher in the AL, but with such a violent delivery, a lot of the NL’s lineup will be on their toes even if they have the advantage with their first three hitters of the game.

Reserves

Position Players

Yan Gomes-C, Cleveland Indians

Mitch Moreland-1B, Boston Red Sox

Jed Lowrie-2B, Oakland Athletics

Gleyber Torres-2B New York Yankees

Alex Bregman-3B, Houston Astros

Francisco Lindor-SS, Cleveland Indians

Jean Segura-SS, Seattle Mariners

Michael Brantley-OF, Cleveland Indians

Shin-Soo Choo-OF, Texas Rangers

Mitch Haniger-OF, Seattle Mariners

George Springer-OF, Houston Astros

Nelson Cruz-DH, Seattle Mariners

This will be an interesting bench for the AL as they only have one back up catcher (Gomes) and one backup first baseman (Moreland). The infield is pretty versatile like Jed Lowrie and plus they have a lot of good bats who are outfielders, but the lack of another first baseman or catcher could be concerning. Expect Nelson Cruz to be used as a pinch hitter if the AL is down or tied.

Pitchers

Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians

Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins

Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees

Gerritt Cole, Houston Astros

Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners

J.A. Happ, Toronto Blue Jays

Joe Jimenez, Detroit Tigers

Craig Kimbrel, Boston Red Sox

Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians

Charlie Morton, Houston Astros

Luis Severino, New York Yankees

Blake Snell, Tampa Bay Rays

Blake Treinen, Oakland Athletics

Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

This is where the AL has the biggest advantage as their bullpen is exceptional. Even though it’s mostly comprised of starting pitchers, they can come in and be lights out. Heck, Morton has had experience coming out of the bullpen as if the game goes into extras, he can be used for many innings. Edwin Diaz and Aroldis Chapman will likely be the setup and close for this team respectively as they throw absolute gas and are hard to keep up with, but Treinen is a crafty pitcher himself and could be used strategically too. Also expect Corey Kluber to come out of the bullpen after Chris Sale is done.

Predictions

James Rowe: American League victory. While the game does not count, this should be a fun one to watch.

With tonight’s Home Run Derby happening in my hometown of D.C. I thought to myself as to what might be the perfect Home Run Derby to watch. After careful consideration as I made some tough choices to not include others like Cody Bellinger, these were the eight who I thought should be in a Home Run Derby.

Giancarlo Stanton

Probably the most prolific hitter in this entire competition, Stanton can really put on a show. Not only that, even when it’s live pitching, the guy can absolutely crush a ball. It honestly seems like he can hit a ball 500 feet with ease.

Aaron Judge

After Stanton, this guy can really crush it too. After setting the American League rookie record for home runs in a season last year, it would be fun to see him compete in one of these competitions once again. Going head to head with Stanton to see who has the most power in the league would be fun to watch. He could also hit a ball 500 feet with ease.

Kyle Schwarber

We will get a chance to see what he does tonight, but just from watching him hit in general, the dude can crush a ball. While not as strong as Stanton and Judge, he has hit some majestic home runs. With such a violent swing, he can truly put a hurt on the ball.

Nelson Cruz

With his bat referred to as “Boomstick” this guy can hit a ball a long ways, but not only that, he hits a lot of them. When he was in Texas, he hit them with ease, and even when moving to Baltimore and then to Seattle, he kept on hitting them. Age might hurt him here, but man, does he ever have some power.

Joey Gallo

This guy may not hit for average, but when he hits the ball it goes a long way. Playing in Texas does help pad stats, but this guy has been hitting towering home runs ever since he was in minor league ball. It would be fun to see him a home run derby.

Bryce Harper

This is the guy everyone wanted to see in a Home Run Derby and they will get their wish when he competes tonight in D.C. However, this guy has a ton of power and has even shown how hard he can hit them and how far in a high school home run derby where a ball he hit reached the back of Tropicana Field. That’s over 500 feet! I’m very excited to see what he can do tonight.

Kris Bryant

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen him win the 2014 Southern League Home Run Derby in person, but this guy can really hit the ball hard. His home runs are more line drives, but he does have some power and possibly could use that to his advantage if he decides to enter in one again. He might even win an MLB one.

Paul Goldschmidt

And for my last contestant it will be Paul Goldschmidt who’s power I really think is underrated as some he hits are just towering fly balls. You know it’s a home run the moment he hits the ball type of power. While it may never seem like he will participate in one, he is one I would love to see in a Derby.

Every year it is a tradition before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to have one of the coolest competitions in sports, the Home Run Derby. Being held in Washington, D.C. this year, this will field a hometown hero and a lot young up-and-coming studs in this competition. The Home Run Derby is held like a tournament as players are seeded based on the amount of home runs they have hit this season. Let’s look at contestants:

Jesus Aguilar-Milwaukee Brewers

Aguilar has been having a breakout season as he was only expected to serve as a backup for the Brewers. He has 24 home runs this season and will face off against Rhys Hoskins from Philadelphia as Aguilar has the most home runs for this competition.

Bryce Harper-Washington Nationals

The 2015 National League Most Valuable Player will finally be making an appearance at a Home Run Derby, but he will be doing so in front of his team’s fans. Despite a disappointing season, Harper is still hitting home runs as he has 23 this season and will face off against Freddie Freeman from the Nationals’ division rival Atlanta Braves.

Max Muncy-Los Angeles Dodgers

Another player having a breakout season, Muncy has been the talk all year as he has hit 22 home runs in under 300 at bats thus far this season. At the age of 27, Muncy was a late bloomer, but has has shown his power as he hits mammoth home runs. He will face off against Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs.

Alex Bregman-Houston Astros

One of the most unlikely competitors in this Home Run Derby, Bregman is having a breakout year in a very young career thus far. With his 20 home runs, expect him to change his approach depending on where the ball is thrown to him as he has hit 17 of his 20 home runs in the middle or top of the strike zone.

Kyle Schwarber-Chicago Cubs

Has been known for his majestic home runs, Schwarber enters competition to take on Bregman as Schwarber has hit 18 home runs so far this season. He could be a dark horse in this Derby merely based off his seeding. He is one of two Cubs in this tournament.

Javier Baez-Chicago Cubs

While he might not be a prolific home run hitter, he has some serious power and when he connects, he can hit it a mile. With 19 home runs hit, he should be a formidable competitor for Muncy.

Freddie Freeman-Atlanta Braves

Having a great season at the plate, it was a little interesting to see him enter the Derby. It might be because he has played at Nationals Park so much that he is comfortable hitting there, but he does have a lot of power. With his 16 home runs, he might even unseat Harper at Harper’s home park.

Rhys Hoskins-Philadelphia Phillies

Hoskins was called up late last year, but when he was in the Majors, he made a major impact crushing home runs left and right hitting 18 home runs in 50 games. He has 14 home runs thus far this season, but this guy can truly crush the ball as some have viewed him as the favorite to win this Derby. While Aguilar has been hot, Hoskins has been known to have more power. Plus having to play in D.C. as much as he does, he might be comfortable hitting home runs there in this tournament.

Prediction

James Rowe: Hoskins, Harper, Schwarber, Muncy advance to the semi-finals. Schwarber and Harper advance to final. Harper wins the derby in front of his hometown

France vs Croatia

We have finally arrived to the biggest match in the entire tournament, the World Cup final. In this matchup, we see the possibility of whether there will be a first time winner or another nation winning their second title. This World Cup has easily been one of the more unpredictable ones, as many Goliaths were slain early in the knockout and groups stage, like Germany and Brazil. No one foresaw this final matchup to be what it is today.

France will be the favorite to win this match, not only because they are the last traditional power left in the tournament, but also they arguably have had the most balanced squad in the entire tournament. They took on a very good Belgium side in the semi-finals and only needed to score one goal, from Samuel Umtiti, shwoing how great their defense was as they came out victorious 1-0. The French will truly need their strikers Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, and midfielder Paul Pogba to keep playing at their absolute best if they want to win this match. Kylian Mbappe and N’Golo Kante have both been exceptional this tournament, and the French need to keep up the support behind those two players as well against a very good Croatia side. This will be their third appearance in a World Cup final and look to win their second title.

If you really want to talk about how unpredictable this World Cup has been, none have been more unpredictable than this Croatia squad, who have become the Cinderellas of the tournament. They became the first side in the tournament to win multiple matches decided by penalty kicks and they just defeated England in extra time to earn their first trip to the World Cup final. If any side is battle tested and battle ready, it’s Croatia. In the match against England, they fell into an early hole as Kieran Trippier gave the English a 1-0 lead after five minutes of play. Croatia would not score until the second half when Ivan Perisic tied up the score at 1-1 in the 68th minute. In extra time, Mario Mandzukic gave Croatia a 2-1 lead at the 109th minute and that was the game winning goal. While their star players in Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric have been inconsistent this tournament, they have gotten outstanding play from their goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, Perisic, and Mandzukic. They will need those three to keep up the pace and with Rakitic and Modric to play their absolute best if they want their first ever World Cup.

Predictions

James Rowe: France. While I would love to see Croatia win this World Cup, I’m a realist and I think that France is best side here and I truly think they will win this as much to my dismay.

Thomas Martin: France. The French will ride the strength of their midfielders all day, consistently penetrating the Croatian lines. Croatia just seems gassed after having the last three games go into extra time… then again, I feel like I’ve been saying this for the last several matches, so who knows! But I’m calling it for France.

Tali Raphael: Croatia. I believe that Croatia can establish enough physicality for Modric, Rakitic, and Perisic to work their magic. Although Kante might be able to catch up to two out of three of those guys. But Croatia has proven itself to never give up. France’s squeaky wins, while earned, have not been the most impressive of performances. What happens if they cannot score from set pieces? That is the question. I don’t know if Croatia will be able to hold off France’s big men from free kicks and corners, but they do have a stout enough defense to bend but not break on those plays. The other question is if Croatia can halt service to Mbappé. I think Brozovic and Kovacic can do that, at least. I think the dream is too good to wake up from, and Croatia wins 2-1.  

And for consolation:

Third place match: Belgium vs England

Predictions

James: Belgium. I’m not convinced that England had all that difficult of a route to the semi-finals and when they had a great chance to make it to the final, they faltered. Plus they likely won’t play with all that much energy.

Thomas: Belgium. A demoralized England squad will curl up and play halfheartedly, while this Belgian team will be able to make all the right passes at all the right time.

Tali: Belgium. But only because the last time these two played a meaningless game, Belgium triumphed.

France vs Belgium

This could be a clash of epic proportions as two Western European countries meet in the semi-finals. Belgium just defeated a power house in Brazil and actually did so seemingly in easy fashion even though the score was 2-1. The Belgians got a goal from Kevin De Bryune, while they also got a gift on a own goal from Brazil’s Fernandinho. Belgium will be making their second ever trip to the semi-finals and now they have the distinction of being the fourth consecutive European side to oust Brazil from the World Cup since the 2006 edition. France on the other hand will be making their sixth appearance in a World Cup semi-final. France defeated Uruguay 2-0 as they got goals from Raphaël Varane and Antoine Griezmann as they dispatched the South American power with ease. This could be a great match between Belgium and France as Belgium has a lot of fire power with their Golden Generation, while France is a very balanced squad.

Predictions

James Rowe: Belgium. I’ve finally bought into them as they beat a very good Brazil squad. Plus with the amount of talent they have, it would be nice to see them advance.

Thomas Martin: Belgium rides their wave of success and powers through France to reach the finals for the first time ever.

Tali Raphael: Belgium. Belgium are now battle tested and have shown the depth and talent of their squad. This I think should be the most balanced and compelling match of the tournament. Either squad could reasonably win this one.

Croatia vs England

England is making their third World Cup semi-final as they England won 2-0 over Sweden in which England got goals from Dele Alli and Harry Maguire. Croatia and Russia drew 2-2 after playing in regulation and extra time, but Croatia won in penalty kick’s. Croatia got goals from Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Vida as Croatia will be making their second ever World Cup semi-final. Croatia also made history as they became the second squad to win two penalty shootouts in one World Cup (Argentina in 1990 was the other). Russia became the first host country to be eliminated in the quarter finals since Mexico bowed out in 1986. Croatia has seemingly been the cinderella story this World Cup despite the array of talent they possess and England looks to have exorcised their World Cup demons. This could be a fun match to watch.

Predictions

James: England. England is riding high while Croatia is running on fumes. Plus I just think England is built better, at least on paper they are.

Thomas: While the Croatian squad has been strong, they have just broken down a bit too much over the course of the tournament. England manage to overcome them and make it to the finals for the first time since they won it all in 1966.

Tali: England. Croatia looked gassed after two consecutive matches going to penalties. I think it catches up with them here. England probably win in extra time with a bolster from a lung bursting run from Raheem Sterling.

The inaugural Major League Rugby season will come to an end this Saturday, but not without the epic conclusion of the Championship match. It will come down to the two heavy weights, Glendale Raptors and Seattle Seawolves. This could be a great match to watch.

Seattle in their last match against San Diego won decidedly 38-24, but San Diego did play well for most of the contest until what seemed like the wheels falling off. The Seawolves scored five tries from five different players such as Peter Tiberio and John Hayden. Fly-half Peter Smith converted on all his opportunities and also tacked on a penalty kick.

Glendale was absolutely flat out dominant against Utah as they won 34-21. The Raptors managed to score early as Sam Figg scored in the first two minutes of the match and Glendale kept piling on scoring five more tries including from Shaun Davies and Harley Davidson. Fly-half Will Magie managed to convert three of the five opportunities, but he also he also tacked on a penalty kick.

This could very well be the match of the year as both these teams were heavy favorites going into the season. Glendale and Seattle have matched up twice this season with the Raptors winning both 19-15 in the first match and 33-11 in the second. Both their scrum units are phenomenal, but many seem to like Seattle’s the best and that could very well be the biggest factor in this Championship. Seattle might also be looking to avenge their losses from earlier in the season which could mean they will come out swinging harder than ever before. Some have even said that Seattle might even be better than Glendale this season, so here is their chance to be proven correctly.

Prediction

James Rowe: Glendale. I do however think this could be just an awesome match to watch and I look forward to watching it. That being said, the Raptors are absolutely deep with talent, depth, and versatility, plus they have a ton of speed in their backs and their forwards are very physical and I would be hard pressed to not pick Glendale. I just love watching them play. This is just not Seattle’s time.

Uruguay vs France

France showed why they were favorites coming into this tournament as they defeated Argentina 4-3 including getting two goals from their talented forward Kylian Mbappe. Uruguay on the other hand got two goals from Edison Cavani to get past Portugal in what a very contentious match. This match between France and Uruguay could very well be a classic as the French have a great attack and Uruguay plays awesome defense. Expect this to be one of the best matches played in the tournament.

Predictions

James: France. More balanced and they look like they can score a lot making it difficult for that great Uruguayan defense.

Thomas Martin: France rides the Mbappe road to the win, but Uruguay makes it very bumpy.

Tali Raphael: France. I would probably have Uruguay winning, but Cavani is injured and with that goes Uruguay’s ability to press high as effectively and the passing between the forwards that is simply unparalleled. France has the quality to see off the squad if it’s just Suarez.

Brazil vs Belgium

Brazil made Mexico look silly as they easily defeated them 2-0. Neymar helped lead the way with a goal of his own in that contest. Belgium in their match with Japan seemed like they were about to bow out of the tournament as Japan got a 2-0 lead early in the second half, but they were determined and they came back to win 3-2 including getting a late goal in additional time from Nacer Chadli. Belgium’s offense is incredibly strong which will make it tough for Brazil, but the Brazilians have some of the best tactics in this tournament.

Predictions

James: Brazil. I want Belgium to win this, but you can’t count out Brazil.

Thomas: Brazil manages to pull it together again for at least one more match.

Tali: Belgium. I am just sick of this Brazil team. I hope Lukaku tears them up. I’m just letting my biases get the better of me.

Russia vs Croatia

No one ever saw this result coming as Russia stunned Spain in penalty kicks and Croatia narrowly defeated Denmark as they also won in penalty kicks. Russia is the surprise story of the tournament thus far as they are the lowest ranked nation to make the World Cup this year. Croatia has been phenomenal, but they almost saw the possibility of bowing out earlier than they wanted to as they won by the skin of their teeth. This could be a fun match between two Eastern European countries.

Predictions

James: Croatia. To put it simply, Croatia is better.

Thomas: I’m finally on the Croatia hype train. So Choo Choo!

Tali: Croatia. Modric and Rakitic escaped after a bad game. I don’t think they let that happen again, especially against a weaker backline than what they saw with Denmark. Also Croatia is comfortable attacking or playing on the counter, something Spain did not have any desire to do against Russia.

Sweden vs England

The Swedish played an awesome match against Switzerland as they bested the Swiss 1-0 on an Emil Forsberg goal. England also played a great match against Colombia which saw them concede a goal to the Colombians deep into additional time, but won on penalty kicks. Harry Kane scored his sixth goal this tournament which leads him in the Golden Boot race. Sweden has been playing great this tournament, but now this will be a really hard test for them as England has been outstanding and have a really deep squad.

Predictions

James: England. They’ve got a lot of fire power and a better put together squad. Sweden might give it all they’ve got, but England is mighty.

Thomas: Sweden continues their excellent run and sends Harry Kane and the English squad packing… again.

Tali: England. England also scraped through against Colombia as did Sweden over Switzerland. But England has more speed and attacking verve at their disposal, even without Jamie Vardy available.

Needless to say that after what transpired for USA Rugby this summer has not only been incredible, but historical as well as we witnessed for the first time in modern history seeing U.S.A. beat a Tier One nation when they defeated Scotland 30-29. U.S.A. Head Coach Gary Gold has even mentioned that a huge contributing factor to the victory was Major League Rugby. If Gary Gold is saying this, then Major League Rugby must be more successful than anticipated.

What’s great about Major League Rugby is that now that players from the U.S. can finally play professionally. Yes, there was another one called PRO Rugby, but let’s not talk about that as that failed miserably despite the promise. However, what was significant about U.S.A.’s victory over Scotland was that for the first time ever we got a chance to see every single player on the roster playing professionally. That’s good for business and good for the growth of the sport.

One thing Major League Rugby has done is it has given everyone a chance to understand American rugby better, I being one of them. It gives us a better chance to see which players are playing so that when international competitions begin, we have a better understanding who is who on the roster. Now we can see what type of players Bryce Campbell, Hanco Germishuys, Shaun Davies, or even Ben Cima are. What it now brings up even is debate. What I mean by that is when all of us fans who are watching MLR and seeing what players are on the pitch every match, it sparks up a debate amongst us as to who we think should be on the national team. An example of this might be a debate as to saying Glendale winger Harley Davidson deserves to be on the national team because his speed allows the field to be opened up more and it could cause opposing defenses having a hard time defending him allowing Davidson to score a lot of tries. It could also bring up the debate as to who should start where. An example of this might be saying that AJ MacGinty deserves to start at fly-half over Will Magie because he is in much better form at the moment and his kicking is better than Magie’s. There are a lot more debates that could happen, but this could be some things that could be talked about.

Another one, and this might be the most important one, is that it gives Gary Gold a chance to see what players he should field when it comes to international play. He might look at rosters around the MLR and think such players as Paul Lasike, Mika Kruse, Alex Elkins, Cecil Garber, Jake Turnbull, Cam Falcon, Harley Davidson or whomever, should get a chance to play for the national side. That will only make U.S.A. get better and stronger.

It will also improve the product of the national side. Now that they are professionals they will get better training and will face better competition which will in turn make them better players. And if that happens, you could see U.S.A. get better results in international play. It may not mean a win against New Zealand or Australia, but they could be better matches to watch and it could mean that there might be some upsets like how Japan did so in the 2015 World Cup when they defeated South Africa. It could be a while until they finally get competitive enough to be a serious contender, but this is the step in the right direction.

Another thing it does is it makes kids more interested in the sport as they are exposed to it. It might make them think of playing rugby, which would then allow them to possibly pursuing a professional career later. If that’s the case, rugby will then get better athletes taking up the sport which could help make the national side better. There’s still a long ways to go with that, but things look promising.

If what Gary Gold is saying is true, then the future looks bright for U.S.A. Rugby. It’s been a while since the U.S. was a dominant force (nearly a century ago) and it would be great to see the third most populated country in the world competing against strong sides such as New Zealand or Ireland. Who knows, it might come quicker than us rugby fans anticipate.

On the first day of the Major League Rugby season I was able to watch the Glendale Raptors-Austin Elite match and was very excited for what Major League Rugby was going to be. Before the the matches began, I did my research on what to look for in the teams and it seemed like a lot people were high on this Glendale side. There were a few players on the team that I knew of, and some I recognized from PRO Rugby, but aside from that I had not heard of most of the squad. That’s the problem about rugby in the United States, there isn’t enough exposure to it’s own players since there was never a professional league here before. Now that there is one, it’s easier for anyone to know who the American rugby players are. However, while I was watching the match, I really enjoyed watching Glendale play. I understood why they were looked at as the best team in the league as they easily defeated Austin. After that match, the first thought was “I have to watch another one of their matches.” When I did that, I immediately became a fan.

They can play any type of rugby you can think of. They can grind out a win or they can put up a lot of points. They are a really talented and deep squad as even some of their substitutes could probably be starters anywhere. Even when their main starters were called up for international duty, the team kept on winning. And not only are they deep, they are also versatile (though seemingly the sport has been moving towards players that can play multiple positions rather than being specialized to one particular spot). That being said, not only are they very good, deep, and versatile, but they are fun to watch.

One of their biggest strengths are their forwards. They have two very capable hookers in Dylan Fawsitt (who has played some flanker) and Zach Fenoglio (who can play as a flanker) as both can be starters for any team including the national side as well as James Del Bozque (who can play as a lock, prop, and even played as a fullback, but that might have been a defensive move) who has proven to be a very capable backup. They have very talented props in Kelepi Fifita, Nick Kwasniewski (who has even played at the wing this season, but that probably was for defensive purposes), Blake Rogers, and Luke White. The locks are outstanding with Ben Landry, Max Dacey, Casey Rock, Kody O’Neil. The flankers might have the biggest depth as they boast Connor Cook, Peter Dahl (who can play at the Number 8), John Quill, Devin Vaughter (who can play as a hooker and as a lock), Brian Wanless (who can play as a lock and at the Number 8), and Logan Collins. And at the Number 8, both Sam Figg (who can play at hooker) and Grigor Kerdikoshvili (who can play as a lock) could easily start for the club and are good enough to be starters anywhere else in the league. There are plenty of options for the squad even if injuries or being called up for international duties occur. They are also one of the best scrum units in the league as well.

Glendale might have some great forwards, but their backs are phenomenal as well and incredibly deep. The scrumhalf position is led by Shaun Davies, but Jake Christmann has proven he can start too when he filled in for Davies when Davies was called up for international duty and both Kevin Lynch and Mickey Bateman (who can play centre)  have proven to be a good backups. The fly-half position is manned by Will Magie, another player who was called up for international duty, as he is one of their best players. The centres are very deep with Mika Kruse (who can also play flyhalf and at wing), Bryce Campbell, Chad London, Siale Maka and Ata Malifa. At the wings there is Harley Davidson (who is a rising star and deserves a lot more recognition), Seth Halliman (who can play fullback as well), Dustin Croy, Nick Johnson (who can fill in at fullback), and John Ryberg (can fill in at fullback). And at fullback it is Maximo de Achaval (who can also play fly-half). There is a lot of speed there as they utilize that in every spot and that is their main weapon which is tough to defend. Also, with so many guys being so versatile in the backs, there are lots of options here.

They are also led by one of the best coaches and arguably the best coach in the league, Dave Williams, who’s number one priority is to have the best fitness in the league considering they do play their home matches in high altitude. However, his tactics have been outstanding as his flexibility with the players gives him so many weapons to use.

One thing you may have noticed when I was listing them off was how many different positions they can play. Some of it is for depth purposes and the other might be because of tactical reasons. However, they are deep and that is crucial. There are so many options for Williams that on any given day, whatever players he decides to go with, his team will be stronger side. It helps that there are only seven teams in the league, but when you watch these guys play, they are the model team for what a good rugby side should be.

Now you can see why I love watching these guys play. Their forwards are strong and incredibly physical. The backs are speedy and move the ball well. They are deep in their depth and there is so much versatility. This is just what rugby is all about. This is why this squad should be your favorite team in Major League Rugby.