Free Jacks Celebrate Ciquera’s 50th Cap Against MLR Point Leaders, Seattle Seawolves

When: Saturday, April 20, 2024 2:00pm EST

Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy, MA

Watch: NBC Sports Boston, The Rugby Network

Match Preview: MLR’s #1 East vs MLR’s #1 West

The Free Jacks are back at home in Quincy after a spectacular 47-35 win at Houston, in which the New England offense had a breakout performance with seven tries against the previously undefeated SaberCats.

The Free Jacks remain 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 5-1 record, with a six point cushion and a game in hand over 2nd place Chicago Hounds, who jumped ahead of NOLA in Round 7. 

Coming into the Round 8 matchup against Seattle, the Free Jacks have some of the most in-form backs in the league starting with center Wayne Van der Bank who put on a brilliant performance in Houston with three tries, followed by Reece Macdonald and Jayson Potroz who scored a try a piece as well. Against Seattle, expect the forwards to put on a big shift in terms of tackles and carries, with the likes of Conor Keys, Mitch Jacobson and Wian Conradie leading the charge. In the backline, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, who’s been getting better every week, will continue to set the pace for the attack as they look to crack the solid Seawolves defensive line.

Scouting

In Round 7, the Seawolves traveled to Los Angeles where they came away with a convincing 36-5 against RFCLA. Captain Riekert Hattingh scored twice and fly-half Sam Windsor added another 14 points.

Seattle currently sits 1st in the Western Conference with 29 points and a record of 6-1, with their only loss coming at home against Houston in Round 4.

The Seawolves are a big and physical team up front, with strong ball carriers like USA Eagle hooker Joe Taufete’e, flanker Charles Elton, and South African captain Riekert Hattingh at no.8. In the backs, they have some highly experienced international players running the show, with former Wallaby Tevita Kuridrani at center, Namibian international Divan Rossouw at fullback and former Super Rugby player Tony Pulu at wing. Expect a fast-paced and highly competitive encounter at Fort Quincy this Saturday.

All time against Seattle

3-1