New Orleans, LA — After a long and dynamic offseason, Major League Rugby action officially returned to the GOLD Mine on Saturday, March 2nd. In a fixture against a very tough Old Glory DC side, NOLA GOLD prevailed, 18-6.
It wasn’t always easy in this one. For the duration of the first half, DC reminded everyone why they were a playoff team last year. They played rigid, regimented rugby for a full 40 minutes that saw them jump to a 6-0 halftime lead. GOLD players and fans alike were left wondering, “how can we break through this Washingtonian wall of defense?”
In the second 40, new coach Cory Brown demonstrated his tactical shrewdness with a series of substitutions that proved pivotal. Sure enough, with a revised game plan, the GOLD flowed like liquid and executed an open and free brand of rugby that afforded more scoring opportunities. It was only a matter of time before NOLA capitalized. At 3-6, the big breakthrough finally came; off the back of a clever scrum, a phalanx of GOLD rushed towards the corner of DC tryzone. Three passes and one physical carry from Jordan Jackson-Hope proved sufficient to take the GOLD into the opposition’s tryzone for the game’s first try in minute 66.
The action wasn’t done there, though. The GOLD maintained its momentum and converted a spectacular piece of attacking rugby for a second try in the 77th minute. An unbelievable solo run from Reece Botha, which included a Derrick Henry-esque stiff arm and ingenious chip kick, paved the way for Taniela Filimone to score and secure a dominant GOLD lead.
This win is culturally significant for a New Orleans club that has historically struggled to finish games. In this one, the GOLD had to overcome early challenges and stay consistent to claim victory, which is a positive testament to Coach Brown’s abilities. At 1-0, the GOLD claim possession of first place in the MLR and control their destiny heading into week 2.
