Free Jacks Look To Hold Their Position Atop The Eastern Conference This Saturday Against Miami

New England Free Jacks @ Miami Sharks

When: Saturday, May 25, 2024, 7pm EST

Where: AutoNation Field, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Watch: FS2, The Rugby Network (Outside the USA) 

Match Preview: 

After a hard-fought 24-23 win at San Diego in Round 12, the Free Jacks are on the road again for Round 13, as they head down for a first ever match in Miami to face the Sharks. Entering this round, New England remains atop the Eastern Conference with a 7-3 record, 4 table points ahead of both the NOLA Gold and Chicago Hounds, who are tied for 2nd.

Some of the Free Jacks top performers in the win at San Diego were Danyon Morgan-Puterangi and Wayne Van der Bank in the backs, and Canadian lock Kyle Baillie in the forwards. Morgan-Puterangi was named Quincy College Player of the Match in his first start in the 10 jersey, leading the team with 9 points and running for 131 meters. Van der Bank led the team in carry meters with 134, and added a try as well, while Baillie led the team in tackles with 16 after coming off the bench early in the game.

In Miami, Morgan-Puterangi and Mitch Wilson will look to maintain their current form as they will play key roles in the kicking game from the backfield. Also, keep an eye out for young back rower Ethan Fryer, as he looks to build on his impressive showing off the bench against San Diego.

In their previous matchup earlier in the season, the Free Jacks beat the Sharks 25-3, in what was a dominating performance in front of their home crowd at ‘Fort Quincy’.

Scouting

Fresh off a bye week, Miami is back at home again this week after a 20-19 win against Utah in Round 11.

The Sharks currently sit 5th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-7, and a total of 17 points (7 points behind Old Glory DC). 

The Sharks have a big South American contingent in their squad, and will look to play a fast-paced, risk-taking brand of rugby, led by Chilean international Santiago Videla, and Uruguayan internationals Manuel Ardao and Felipe Etcheverry. In the pack, watch out for USA Eagle Ben Bonasso, who combined with Ardao, account for the most carries and turnovers for the Sharks.

All time against Miami

1-0