Toronto Arrows @ Rugby United New York

Feels weird to type “@ Rugby United New York.” Felt like the day would never come. But RUNY opens MCU Park to the Major League Rugby world in a Friday evening affair. An excellent way to begin St Patrick’s Day Weekend.

This pick strikes me as harder than it might seem. Toronto just dispatched the Legion on a long road trip. This will be a relatively short road trip. And it will be a road trip where the Arrows have some seven or eight internationals back in the fold.

Still, a road game is a road game. And RUNY is playing as well as anyone in MLR. The Arrows’ internationals have been gone so long that it may take a bit of time to reintegrate. That with the energy of a first time home crowd puts this one over to RUNY.

New York by 4

Seattle Seawolves @ Austin Elite Rugby

The Seawolves have struggled on the road. In fact, they’ve yet to record a road win. But if there is a week to do it, it’s Round 7. The Elite have yet to record a road win or a home win or any win at all. They haven’t even really threatened to win since Round 3.

Seattle had a tough win in Round 7 over the other Texan team. But that probably works against Austin. Seattle won’t be caught flat now, given how close they came to losing last week. They won’t be caught at all.

Seattle by 12

NOLA Gold @ Houston SaberCats

In another Facebook Watch double booking, the SaberCats host NOLA Gold to determine whose yellow is mightiest. It doesn’t look good for Houston. They still sit on one victory, just as last year. NOLA, on the other hand, have only one loss.

In fairness, Houston did play their best game of the season last week. And NOLA’s other road appearance was not nearly as intimidating as their home play. Then again, it was in the snow, so who knows.

But until Houston shows me they can find ways to win, I will be hard pressed to pick them.

NOLA by 10

San Diego Legion @ Glendale Raptors

When you finish with Facebook Watch, you can shuffle over to 9news.com for this tasty matchup when the Legion visit Rugby Town USA. The Legion really only have one statement win, the narrow Round 2 victory over Seattle. Honestly, their second best game was probably the Round 1 loss to New York.

If halves count, that first half against Toronto was sexy. But they need more than a half to win in Glendale.

The Raptors’ form has been trending up, and they get back their big three this week. And, though we’ve discussed Seattle’s home winning streak before… Glendale has never actually lost at home. Ever. Am I reading that right? Why did I never notice it before? Only losses in 2018 came in San Diego. Only losses this year on the road. Unbeaten at home in MLR history. Realizing that, I am backing them to keep it going this week.

Glendale by 7

TRS Staff Picks

You can find TRS contributor Paul Bains’ picks here.