Head to Head Round One: two Compelling Matchups to Watch This Saturday
“Two compelling head-to-head matchups anticipated for this Saturday’s showdown”
By Maeve Fitzgerald
The wait is over, rugby is back! The New England Free Jacks are set to launch their 2025 season on Saturday, Feb. 15, facing off against LA Rugby FC in a high-energy showdown.
After a dominant 2024 campaign that saw them crowned back-to-back MLR Champions, the Free Jacks are eager to begin their quest for a three-peat. Meanwhile, LA Rugby FC, who finished sixth in the Western Conference last season, is looking to start strong and prove they’re a force to be reckoned with after a close encounter with Fijian Dura in the preseason.
New England secured a 34-12 victory in their only previous meeting with LA, but this rematch won’t be a walk in the park. With powerhouse players returning on both sides, this game will be shaped by key head-to-head battles across the pitch. Here are two matchups that could decide the outcome of the season opener.
John Poland vs Gonzalo Bertranou
After missing most of 2024 due to a season-ending pectoral injury, veteran scrum-half John Poland is ready to ride with the Free Jacks once again. A fan favorite and a MLR Champion, Poland is known for his tactical vision, sharp passing, and ability to control the tempo. Since joining the Free Jacks in their inaugural 2020 season, he has racked up 18 tries and 120 points, cementing himself as one of the most reliable No. 9s in the league.
But standing in his way is Gonzalo Bertranou, a high-caliber scrum-half with an impressive track record. The 31-year-old Argentinian international has played for Argentina XV since 2013 and remains a sought-after talent worldwide. His quick decision-making and ability to exploit gaps in the defense make him a constant threat.
This duel at the base of the ruck will be pivotal in determining which team controls the pace of play. Will Poland’s experience and game management be enough to outmaneuver Bertranou’s attacking instincts?
Le Roux Malan vs Billy Meakes
At the center are two proven playmakers who are set to clash for all to see. Le Roux Malan, the Free Jacks’ clutch performer, has already built a legacy in New England. The Namibian-born star delivered game-winning tries in both the 2023 and 2024 MLR Championship Finals, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure. As Malan prepared for the 2023 World Cup he was named “Free Jacks Back of the Year” an impressive accolade for a rookie. Malan has steadily developed into a go-to weapon in New England’s attack and will come out firing on all cylinders this Saturday.
Up against Malan is Billy Meakes, a former MLR Back of the Year and a 6’1”, 205 lb Australian center with a wealth of global experience. Meakes has played in Aussie Sevens, Super Rugby, and for LA since their first MLR season, proving himself as an intelligent and physical midfield playmaker. With both players capable of creating scoring opportunities, this head-to-head showdown will be a test of both power and precision.
As the Free Jacks begin their title defense, these head-to-head matchups will play a crucial role in shaping the game’s outcome. With Johnston’s return, Poland’s comeback, and Malan’s ability to deliver in big moments, New England will look to make an early statement. But LA boasts elite talent eager to spoil the party, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle from start to finish.
The 2025 season kicks off Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9 p.m. EST, and fans can watch live on ESPN+ and NBC Sports Boston. Don’t miss this must-watch opener as the Free Jacks look to start their season on the road to another championship run.
Next up, New England takes on the Chicago Hounds on March 2, where they’ll face standout players like Julian Dominguez, Dylan Fawsitt, and Nate Augspurger. Stay tuned for next week’s breakdown of the next set of key matchups to watch!
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Written By Maeve Fitzgerald,
“I am a 20-year-old junior at Suffolk University. I’m studying Journalism with a print/web concentration, though I have experience with camera work and packages as well. I was born in Dorchester and raised in Braintree, MA, a town just on the end of the red line bordering the city. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved sports, music, movies and writing. I grew up in a passionate sports family with raging Boston accents, so I’ve felt at home living in the heart of the city and Boston’s North End. Growing up on the red line, I’ve always found myself drawn to the city and life on the go. When I’m not bartending at work or writing an article, I’m usually spending time with friends and family, shopping on Newbury street or catching a Boston sports game– whether it be at the stadium or from the comfort of a friend’s couch. I’ve been a bartender since I was 18 years old; therefore, meeting new people and taking their stories with me has been a glimpse at my future in journalism. My studies have me excited to pursue a career in print/web or broadcast journalism!”
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