Rugby United New York @ Houston SaberCats

Undefeated no more, the Roosters will be looking for a rebound win. Houston will be looking for any win. Each will get their chance in Texas on Saturday evening.

RUNY will likely be missing their American internationals to the Eagles. But Houston will also be impacted by Americas Rugby Championship call-ups, with four players named to Uruguay camp for the week. That ups the ante for the Eagles, who must play Uruguay, but also helps RUNY.

In a fourth straight road fixture, I think New York will take out its frustrations from a missed chance in Seattle.

New York by 14

Toronto Arrows @ Glendale Raptors

Glendale will be pleased to get a chance to play at home. They will be less pleased to be hosting a Toronto team growing stronger with each match.

For Canada’s non-test against Argentina XV, they’ll likely need all their internationals. Not to mention the two Arrows called into Uruguay’s squad. Bad news for Toronto. But Glendale will likewise expect to miss its big three to help the Eagles face the maxed out Uruguayan team.

Both teams must be getting used to playing shorthanded by now, but Toronto has looked a bit better doing it. Even in their home opener, I’m not sure the Raptors have enough.

Toronto by 3

NOLA Gold @ Utah Warriors

The Gold return to action after a loss and a bye week. They’ll be anxious to get back in the win column, having had two weeks to ponder their only defeat.

Utah put on half a match in Round 5 where they looked like world beaters. Then they put on a half where they didn’t. Even five weeks in, with only three matches under their belts including a draw, the Warriors remain something of an enigma.

But, having seen how they struggled with Glendale once the Raptors began pushing the pace on offense, I fear they will be out-gunned by the Bayou Bombers’ high-flying attack. NOLA will need to adjust to playing on the road, but speed and athleticism travel well.

NOLA by 12

TRS Staff Picks

You can find TRS contributor Paul Bains’ picks here.

Season Summary