Ah, another season of Super League rugby is upon us. Launched in 1997, the USA Rugby Super League brings together fourteen of the top men’s club teams in the United States each season to crown a champion.
Don’t blink, because before you know it, the season will be over.
No, seriously… with only seven weeks (six games and one bye) of regular season play, it will be over before you know it.
A handful of the best teams will get to advance to the playoffs and play a wee bit longer, but as the top level of domestic rugby in America, the season is way too short.
All of that aside, the Super League puts in a great effort with the many obstacles that they face.
Anyways, let’s take a look at the Week 1 matchups and how they may shake out.
Eastern Conference
Boston Irish Wolfhounds @ New York Athletic Club
The Wolfhounds are coming off of a dismal 2009 season (1-6 record) and start off 2010 in the difficult position of playing on the road against one of the Super League’s finest teams and perennial playoff contender. Like so many of the teams, NYAC tends to get stonger as the season advances. They’ll still have plenty of strength to take down the Wolfhounds at home.
Prediction: NYAC wins solidly.
Boston Rugby @ Old Blue New York
The most intriguing matchup in the Eastern Conference pits two teams with quite a bit to prove. Boston went into 2009 and ran into some tough luck en route to a 2-5 record. Old Blue, on the other hand, caught some breaks and finished 4-3, but well out of the playoff race. Both teams are dead set on returning to the playoffs in 2010, so this is a pivotal game right off the bat.
Prediction: Boston surprises with a big road victory.
Charlotte @ Potomac Athletic Club
With such a competitive conference, it’s easy to overlook Charlotte and PAC. Despite reaching the playoffs in 2008, Charlotte took a step back in 2009 posting a 3-4 record. PAC, whose last winning season came in 2007, is still looking to reach the upper crust of the Super League. Both teams may be destined for the middle of the pack, but if either team is to be in the playoff race this season, this is a must-win game.
Prediction: PAC plays strong at home, but I like Charlotte to pull off a road win.
Western Conference
Dallas Harlequins @ Chicago Griffins
Newcomers to the Western Conference, Dallas, make the long trip to Chicago this weekend to face the Griffins. The road has traditionally been tough on the Harlequins and to add to the stress, Dallas is working their way through a bit of a rebuilding process. The Griffins slumped to a 2-5 record last season, but have high hopes for 2010.
Prediction: The Griffins continue the Harlequins road woes.
Old Mission Beach Athletic Club @ Old Puget Sound Beach
Perhaps the two youngest teams in the Super League, OMBAC and OPSB will rely heavily on new blood this season. Once a Super League power, OMBAC has missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons and struggled to a 2-5 record in 2009. Life hasn’t been that easy for OPSB either. The Pacific Northwest club hasn’t posted a winning season since 2005 and has a string of three consecutive 1-6 seasons coming into 2010. Both teams will likely struggle to reach the playoffs this season, so this is pivotal matchup in regards to who may end up pulling up the rear.
Prediction: Old Puget sneaks out a close one at home.
San Francisco Golden Gate @ Denver Barbarians
The marquee matchup on the entire slate, last year’s Super League champs, San Frnacisco Golden Gate against the always tough Denver Barbarians. Both squads have gone through changes from last season, but they both remain frontrunners for playoff spots in 2010. The winner of this one gets the upper hand right off the start in the Western Conference.
Prediction: One thing I’ve learned in the last few seasons of predicting Super League games… don’t bet against SFGG. Except, this time around. I like the Barbarians to win this one at home.
That closes out Week 1 of the Super League predictions.
If you want to have a turn picking the games or think I’m out of my mind with some of my picks, go ahead and toss them in the comment section. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
Posted on March 12, 2010
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