Free Jacks enter third consecutive eastern Conference Final

Match Preview: 

The Free Jacks will host the Eastern Conference Final for the third year in a row this weekend against rival Chicago Hounds, after going 1-1 against each other during the regular season. New England is back at Veterans Memorial Stadium following a 33-29 win against Old Glory DC in the Conference Semi-Final. 

In the Conference Semi-Final versus DC, Kiwi flyhalf Jayson Potroz had another outstanding performance, leading the team with 18 points, and running for a team-high 99 meters. Back rower Jed Melvin and winger Paula Balekana also had impressive showings, with the New Zealander running for 85 meters and scoring a try, while the Fijian speedster ran for 83 meters and led the team in tackles with 14.

Against Chicago, watch out for back rower Seta Baker, who’s physicality has been key in his two consecutive starts at number 8; and for youngster Ethan Fryer, who was named ‘player of the match’ in his test debut for Canada over the international break.

Expect a very competitive match this weekend at Veterans Memorial Stadium, after the Free Jacks and Hounds split their games during the regular season both by one possession; with New England winning in Chicago 22-17 early in the season, and the Hounds beating the Free Jacks in Quincy 26-20 at the start of May.

Scouting

The Chicago Hounds are on the road for the second week in a row, after coming away victorious in their Conference Semi-Final in New Orleans against the NOLA Gold. The Hounds won 45-21, as hooker Dylan Fawsitt scored his 13th try of the season.

The Hounds finished the regular season in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-7-1, and a total of 45 table points. 

Chicago’s playstyle is characterized by their strong set-piece, led by MLR veteran hooker Dylan Fawsitt, and their skilled backline filled with experienced MLR players, like Nate Augspurger, Billy Meakes, and Julian Dominguez. 

Look for the Hounds to center their gameplan around their maul and lineout up front, and through strong carries up the middle from their hard-charging centers.

All time against Chicago

2-1