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Week 3 of the 2021 season begins with an historic occasion. A year after the pandemic cancelled their intended home opener, the New England Free Jacks will at last welcome Major League Rugby to Union Point Stadium. Cast as the villainous visitors are the undefeated Utah Warriors which sets the stage for an intriguing afternoon in Weymouth.
Both teams are coming off impressive victories. After their opening round defeat to LA, the Free Jacks bounced back with a stunning shutout win over the SaberCats in Houston. Their defense did the job and then some, but a 27-point second half offensive explosion was equally notable.
Utah are perhaps the surprise package of the first two weeks with strong showings against Austin and last weekend Toronto. It’s the 80-minute commitment of the side that has been the biggest turnaround from years past, a trend that began to tilt last season and now appears an expectation rather than exception.
The team shows just one enforced change to the starting lineup as Fraser Hurst comes in at No9 in place of the injured Michael Baska. Set to make his professional debut from the bench is Danny Christensen, while new acquisition Mika Kruse should make his Warriors bow as a replacement.
New England have made just one change to the run-on side as Beaudein Waaka is fit to return at fullback, with Dougie Fife moving back to the wing. It’s a more conventional 5-3 split on the bench and reserve prop Quentin Newcomer makes his first appearance of the new season.
If there is an area of concern for both to start the season it’s discipline. Utah has collected five cards in two games and New England six, including one of the red variety for each. Staying out of the penalty box could well be a deciding factor in what should be a close contest.
Indeed their one previous meeting was a thrilling back-and-forth battle in Las Vegas last February that saw the Warriors scoring 26 unanswered points in the second half to claim the spoils. That match featured 10 tries in all but if last week’s games are any indication the lines this year will be more stingy.
For the Warriors this represents a chance to build momentum and stay hot on the trails of the high-flying Giltinis. New England meanwhile won’t be looking a minute ahead. There is only one shot at the history books and they will come out with all guns blazing. Expect an enthralling battle that will come down to the wire. With more at stake the narrow edge goes to the Free Jacks.
Kickoff is set for 4:30pm local, 1:30pm Pacific, 2:30pm Mountain. Live broadcasts will be available nationwide on CBS Sports Network, and on The Rugby Network for those located abroad.
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
1 Sef Fa’agase, 2 Pieter Jansen, 3 Erich de Jager, 4 Josh Larsen (capt.), 5 Jackson Thiebes, 6 Justin Johnson, 7 Joe Johnston, 8 Wian Conradie, 9 John Poland, 10 Harrison Boyle, 11 Mitch Wilson, 12 Aleki Morris-Lome, 13 Poasa Waqanibau, 14 Dougie Fife, 15 Beaudein Waaka
Replacements: 16 Vili Toluta’u, 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 18 Quentin Newcomer, 19 Conor Kindregan, 20 Ronan McCusker, 21 Ollie Engelhart, 22 Harry Barlow, 23 Danny Collins
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Franco van den Berg, 2 Sama Malolo, 3 Angus MacLellan, 4 Aston Fortuin, 5 Matt Jensen, 6 Lance Williams, 7 Bailey Wilson (capt.), 8 Jurie van Vuuren, 9 Fraser Hurst, 10 Hagen Schulte, 11 Josh Whippy, 12 Calvin Whiting, 13 Tyler Fisher, 14 Mike Te’o, 15 Cliven Loubser
Replacements: 16 Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Alex Tucci, 18 Olive Kilifi, 19 James Mocke, 20 Thomas Tu’avao, 21 Danny Christensen, 22 Mika Kruse, 23 Joe Mano
Date: Saturday, April 3
Venue: Union Point Stadium, Weymouth
Kickoff: 16:30 local (13:30 Pacific, 14:30 Mountain)
Broadcasts: CBS Sports Network, The Rugby Network
Historical Results:
2020-02-15 – Utah Warriors 39, New England Free Jacks 33 (Sam Boyd Stadium)
