Free Jacks Head west for first ever matchup against rfcla

New England Free Jacks @ RFC Los Angeles

When: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 6:30pm EST

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA

Watch: NBC Sports Boston, The Rugby Network

Match Preview: 

The Free Jacks are on the road again in Round 9 as they travel to Los Angeles for the first time in 2 years, this time to face off against MLR newcomers RFCLA, after a tough 21-29 loss at home to Seattle.

Despite the loss, the Free Jacks remain 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 record, just 1 point ahead of the Chicago Hounds.

Entering the halfway mark of the season, New England has players amongst the Top 5 in the league in the main statistical categories; starting with flyhalf Jayson Potroz, who’s 2nd in the league in points scored with 71, followed by fullback Reece Macdonald who leads the league in ball carry meters (943), and is tied-2nd in tries scored (6). On the defensive side, Wian Conradie and Josh Larsen are both in the top 5 in tackles made with 111 and 100 respectively.

The Free Jacks will try to use their offensive weapons and defensive pressure this week against a dangerous LA team that likes to play a wide open brand of rugby.

Scouting

In Round 8, RFCLA traveled to Chicago where they suffered a 54-31 loss against the Hounds. They still managed to come away with an offensive bonus point nevertheless after scoring 5 tries.

RFCLA is currently last in the Western Conference with 12 points and a record of 1-5-1, with their only win coming at home against Utah in Round 4. They are still truly well in the fight for a playoff spot though, as they sit only 7 points below the 4th place Dallas Jackals.

The Los Angeles club has so far displayed an exciting brand of rugby in their first season in MLR. They haven’t been afraid to spread the ball wide and take risks from their own 22 on attack, and they’ve shown an ability to capitalize off of other teams’ mistakes. This style of play runs mainly through their ‘x-factor’ players, flanker Semi Kunatani, a former Fiji Sevens Olympic gold medalist, and scrumhalf Niall Saunders. RFCLA also has plenty of familiar faces for Free Jacks fans, with the likes of prop Conor Young, lock Reegan O’Gorman, and former Free Jacks Academy flyhalf Matt Anticev amongst their ranks.

All time against RFCLA

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