The Dallas Jackals have yet to find the winning formula in the 2022 season, their first in Major League Rugby. Facing Rugby New York on February 26, the Jackals managed only one try and failed to slow New York’s dominating front line. The 41-5 defeat marks the fourth consecutive loss for MLR’s newest team, who have yet to win a match.
In Week 3, the Jackals set a 2022 record for highest attendance with more than 3,000 fans in the stands, but Week 4 saw a smaller crowd come out in the cold, wet winter weather.
Dallas never seemed to get going in the game after quickly falling behind by two tries in the first period.
The Jackals’ only try came after they forced a broken pass on a tackle and allowed the ball to get to Chad London. London managed to pooch the ball forward just enough with the tips of his toes to avoid incoming New York players and roll the ball into the touch for the score.
After an official discussion about whether a knock-on happened at the point of the tackle came back inconclusive, Dallas had five on the board. The bonus kick failed, leaving the Jackals with only the try score.
The Jackals’ try came at the 32-minute mark, at which point the team had already surrendered 17 points but still had the potential to get back into the match. In the end, New York proved to be too much of a challenge, particularly due to the stellar play of the front line, which continuously pushed the ball throughout the contest.
Half time came with a score of 22-5, but the Jackals were unable to get the ball moving in their direction, and the second half would be dominated by New York.
The East Coast team continues to impress, remaining undefeated and in control of the Eastern Conference. Rugby New York currently holds a three-point advantage over Rugby Atlanta in the division.
The Jackals remain winless but are not alone in the search for their first victory of 2022. The Utah Warriors, who Dallas will travel to play on March 5, have also lost all three of their matches. This sets the stage for next week’s play, as one team will earn its first victory. The Warriors currently hold three competition points in the division, while two are held by Dallas.
In the Eastern Conference, both Old Glory DC and NOLA Gold have also yet to find victory. Old Glory is the only team to have given up more points than Dallas, with opponents scoring a total of 182 points so far this season. Dallas has surrendered 159 points but has earned 74 on the field, putting the team at fifth overall in the division for scoring.
The Jackals will return to Choctaw Stadium for two more home games in March after next week’s contest at Utah. Dallas will get an opportunity against NOLA Gold on March 12, as both teams struggle for relevance in their respective divisions.
Following that match, the Seattle Seawolves will venture to Texas for a contest on March 19. The Seawolves are currently in third, with 14 competition points in the Western Division.
