The MLR final on Saturday displayed an incredible battle between two sides vying for their first title. It was the New England Free Jacks that prospered over the San Diego Legions in the dying minutes of the match, as they took victory 25 points to 24.
Renowned for their ability to transform sporting events into lively celebrations, the Americans brought in former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal for the match ball presentation.
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal presenting the match ball 🤯
Watch the replay on The Rugby Network 📺@usmlr #MLR2023 #rugby pic.twitter.com/tz27jz282j
— The Rugby Network (@therugbynetwork) July 8, 2023
The game itself got off to a flying start in what was most likely 41-year-old Ma’a Nonu’s final-ever match. It was an uncharacteristic mistake from 103-cap All Black that set the scoring off, however, after he spilled the ball onto the floor for the opposition’s own Kiwi skipper, Mitch Jacobson, to collect and canter over the line.
TRY! @NEFreeJacks Captain Mitch Jacobson scores the opening try off of a @SDLegion turnover.
📺 @foxtv | #SDvNE | #QuestForTheShield | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/wH8cVrw9fy
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2023
Following a couple more tries on either side, Nonu made up for his previous mistake with a lovely little inside ball to set up USA Eagle Nate Augspurger for his tenth try of the season.
Tenth try of the season for USA Eagle Nate Augspurger and the @SDLegion have a one-point lead!
📺 @foxtv | #SDvNE | #QuestForTheShield | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/oJL9Sw4uBg
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2023
The scores flicked back and forth for the remainder of the match, with this try being a particularly special one:
14th try of the season for Paula Balekana and the @NEFreeJacks have retaken the lead early in the second half!
📺 @FOXTV | #SDvNE | #QuestForTheShield | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/YtAL2a6yeK
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2023
It was only in the final minute that the match was eventually decided as the Free Jacks went over for the final try of the game.
Le Roux Malan has scored another massive try to give @NEFreeJacks the one-point lead with only minutes left on the clock!
📺 @FOXTV | #SDvNE | #QuestForTheShield | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/I0GPJq1AET
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2023
Fans were treated to a DJ set from the NBA’s very own ‘DJ Deisel’.
Out here with The Big Aristotle. @djdiesel | #QuestForTheShield pic.twitter.com/qE8O02OfI7
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) July 8, 2023
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