Tiaan & The Tank: Try-Scoring Tandem

March 3, 2020 (Austin, TX) Heading into week 5 of the 2020 Major League Rugby season two AG’s players are on a bit of a try-scoring tear.

Frank Halai

Frank ‘The Tank’ Halai scored a try on debut for the AG’s last weekend coming off the bench in the draw against Utah. His try was honored by the MLR as one of the Top 5 Tries of the Week. This Saturday he earned his first start and again dotted down a try for the AG’s.

This time it was a quick hands play from Rodrigo Silva to Peni Tagive that put Halai in a 2-on-1 on the edge. Halai juggled the ball and dodged the fullback Simpson, before pinning his ears back and diving for the try line.

In just two weeks Halai has proven to be an excellent addition to the team, and not just on the merit of his try-scoring ability. His leadership on the field was apparent to the broadcast crew on Saturday.

“You see Halai, the veteran, telling his team ‘take a deep breath, maintain your poise’ that’s a great move from a veteran leader,” said commentator Kit McConnico.

Tiaan Strauss Erasmus

Tiaan Strauss Erasmus served the substitute hooker role behind Chris Schade through the first two matches of the season. In week three, Erasmus earned the start and backed up coach Semmons’ decision with a try.

Week 4 in San Antonio, Erasmus threw in an excellent lineout ball and followed the AG’s maul into the corner for a try in the 51st minute. On top of a solid attacking performance, Erasmus had 10 tackles on the afternoon with 100% tackle completion.

The hooker position battle will heat up as Brendan Rams comes into form and Chris Schade returns from injury, but Erasmus has no doubt left his mark in his two starts.