MATCH PREVIEW

Free Jacks Take On Toronto As Beaudein Waaka Returns To Quincy For First Start In 2023

New England Free Jacks (10-2) vs Toronto Arrows (1-9-2)

When: Saturday May 27, 2023 4:00pm EST

Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy, MA

Watch: NBC Sports Boston, The Rugby Network

Match Preview:

Fresh off a dominant 50-3 win against the NOLA Gold, the Free Jacks are back again at ‘Fort Quincy’ this weekend where they’ll host the Toronto Arrows, who they beat in their first encounter this season 80-5 in Toronto on April 15th. 

New England remains on top of the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-2, 15 points ahead of 2nd placed DC, while Toronto currently sits in last place with a 1-9-2 record. With a perfect record at home so far, the Free Jacks will look to remain unbeaten in Quincy as they host a Toronto team that has been steadily improving since both teams last met in Round 9.

There’ll be a few changes in the lineup, as the Free Jacks coaching staff looks to keep their players fresh for the final 4 matches of the regular season. In the tight five, Kianu Kereru-Symes (#1) and Tevita Sole (#3) start at props, while Semisi Paea (#4) is back in the second row. In the backline, Ben LeSage (#13) is back at outside center (#13), and Taniela Filimone (#11) starts on the wing after recovering from a shoulder injury. At fullback, Beaudein Waaka (#15) gets his first start in Free Jacks colors since his return. On the bench, Andrew Quattrin (#16) and Conor Young (#18) are back in the squad, as well as Canadian Wing/Center Isaac Olson (#23).

Scouting

Toronto is currently last in the Eastern Conference, but is unexpectedly coming off of back-to-back draws against conference rivals DC and Atlanta, 29-29 and 34-34 respectively.

Lively Scrum-half Ross Braude leads Toronto’s attack and is a try-scoring threat having already scored five himself. In the midfield, Tautalatasi Tasi is a powerful center who consistently wins the gainline, while winger D’Shawn Bowen has proven to be an excellent finisher since he was brought over by the Arrows from the Canadian Sevens team.

All time against Toronto

4-1

Free Jacks Match Day Roster

1. Kianu Kereru-Symes
2. Mills Sanerivi
3. Tevita Sole
4. Semisi Paea
5. Reegan O’Gorman
6. Mitch Jacobson
7. Slade McDowall
8. Wian Conradie
9. Kieran McClea
10. Jayson Potroz
11. Taniela Filimone 
12. Le Roux Malan
13. Ben Lesage
14. Mitch Wilson
15. Beaudein Waaka
16. Andrew Quattrin
17. Kyle Ciquera
18. Conor Young
19. Conor Keys
20. Cam Davidowicz
21. Holden Yungert
22. Spencer Jones 
23. Isaac Olson

Toronto Arrows Match Day Roster:

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