We have a new leader among the TRS contributors. Paul Bains, the one and only Driving Maul himself, pushes into the lead with his savvy pick of Glendale last week. But, with a one-game lead, will it last through Round 11?

In other news, I am still in last.

Seattle Seawolves @ Utah Warriors

Both of these teams are probably disappointed with their play of late. But Seattle, at least, has been disappointed with two tough wins from three. Utah hasn’t won since their opening fixture against Austin.

The Legion showed that persistent defense can effectively quiet the Seattle attack, but after getting run through by the Arrows last week, Utah is giving up the second most points per game (just behind Houston). Home-field seemed to help the Warriors when the temperatures were frigid, but it didn’t do much against Toronto. It probably won’t do much against Seattle either.

Seattle by 14

Houston SaberCats @ Glendale Raptors

Houston had a bye week to prepare for this one, but they’ll need more than a week. They’ve yet to show they can effectively score points against the better sides (only 123 points scored, fewest in the league). Glendale has been improving and remains unbeaten at home. This isn’t going to be the SaberCats’ night

Glendale by 22

NOLA Gold @ Toronto Arrows

Well, isn’t this a spicy matchup. NOLA is on top of the table and has been one of the best sides all year. That year started with a home win over the Arrows, but not a comfortable one. In fact, the Gold nearly coughed up a big half time lead and ended up winning a back and forth punching contest in the final minutes.

Fast forward to Round 11 and the Arrows now host NOLA in their first home game. Since then, the Gold have only lost twice, and the Arrows have amusingly alternated wins and losses all season.

But the Arrows have been only a shadow of their true self for most of the young season. With over 10 internationals called away for the Americas Rugby Championship at any given time, they’ve been shorthanded to the greatest degree in MLR.

Now they’re full strength. They almost spoiled New York’s home opener (when still a bit shorthanded) and then ran riot in Utah. Now they’re home.

It’s a long, tiring trip for NOLA, a team that relies on speed and high tempo attack. That attack is only just starting to feel the fatigue of the road, with two away games in a row and this their longest trip of the season. I think the Arrows get the upset.

Toronto by 3

Austin Elite Rugby @ San Diego Legion

Where were you on May 25, 2018? Were you, perhaps, watching San Diego playing in Austin during MLR 2018? If you were, you were treated to one of the most shocking upsets in MLR’s first year. Austin, widely expected to lose, ended up bludgeoning San Diego to the tune of 31-5.

Earlier this year, San Diego got their revenge, routing the Elite 45-17. Now, these two sides meet again. Austin has been playing better every week of late. Will I go for two upsets in one week?

No. I think a win is coming Austin’s way, but not in this one. The Legion defense is too sound, and they’re playing at home. I envision Austin hanging in the contest for most of the game, but San Diego putting it away in crunch time.

San Diego by 12

TRS Staff Picks

You can find TRS contributor Paul Bains’ picks here.