New England Free Jacks vs. Anthem Rugby Club:
A showdown that will set the stage for the second half of the season. 

The stage is set with important table points up for grabs this Friday, April 18th, as the New England Free Jacks take on Anthem Rugby Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, and Anthem testing opposition on a weekly basis, this showdown promises to be one of the most thrilling games of the season.

A Crucial Match for the Free Jacks

Two-time reigning MLR champions, The Free Jacks, come into this game riding high after three consecutive victories, including a dominant 39-12 win over the San Diego Legion. But while their form is impressive, they know that every match from here on out is crucial. 

The head coach’s words are clear: “We’re aiming to put them under a lot of pressure and bring physicality to the encounter,” he says. The Free Jacks are focused and determined, aware that this game is one of the biggest tests of the season. They know they’re up against a team that loves to control the ball, and are desperate to find their first victory. 

A Team with Heart 

Anthem Rugby Club is not a team to be taken lightly. They’ve got a strong lineup, and with several former Free Jacks in their ranks: Mitch Wilson, Toby Fricker, Junior Gafa, Javon Camp and Connor Robinson. Expect a personal edge to this game. These former Free Jacks know what it means to play for the Free Jacks, and they’ll bring everything they’ve got against their old team.

But the Free Jacks are ready for the challenge. This is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to prove that they remain the team to beat in MLR.

The Key Players to Watch

As always, there are players to watch who could swing the game in the Free Jacks’ favor. One player to keep an eye on is Le Roux Malan, who will be hitting a significant milestone this Friday: his 50th cap for the team. The Namibia-born center has made a name for himself with game-breaking performances, including scoring tries in both the 2023 and 2024 MLR championship matches. His strength, skill, and determination make him one of the most dangerous players on the field, and he’s poised to be a handful in the midfield tonight. 

Alongside Malan, American talents like Kaleb Geiger, Oscar Lennon, Joe Johnston, and Harrison Boyle will be crucial. With the Free Jacks facing off against a team made up largely of American players, this match will be an exciting opportunity to showcase American talent in red white and blue. Geiger, in particular, will be looking to build on his strong performances and show what he can do in one of the season’s most important games, starting at Tighthead.

Special Storylines: New Dads and Milestones

It’s not just the players on the field who are making headlines. There’s a special personal connection to this game for the Free Jacks’ squad. Kaleb Geiger and his wife Dalaney celebrated the birth of their son, Hank Geiger, on April 11th, just days before the match. Similarly, Wian and Armoure Conradie welcomed their son, Duan Conradie, into the world on April 16th, though Wian will not feature in tonight’s match. These proud fathers will bring their newfound joy and motivation to the pitch, and you can bet that their performances will be inspired by their growing families.

 Match Info:

• Date & Time: Friday, April 18th, 7:30 PM EST
• Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte, NC
• Streaming: ESPN+ and NBC Sports Boston

Don’t Miss the Action

With so much on the line, this game is not to be missed. The Free Jacks are ready to battle it out in what could be a season-defining clash against Anthem Rugby Club. Whether you’re watching from home or cheering from the stands in Charlotte, make sure to tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable night of rugby.

And don’t forget—after this match, the Free Jacks return home for the Light the Way Festival, a thrilling game against Los Angeles. But first, it’s all about getting the win this Friday night.

Get ready, rugby fans—it’s time for one of the biggest games of the season!

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