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The 15th round of the 2022 Major League Rugby season begins on Friday night where the Free Jacks host Rugby ATL at Veterans Memorial Stadium. New England have already clinched their spot in the playoffs and a bonus-point victory would almost certainly assure a direct path to the Eastern Conference Final.
ATL are close to securing their place in the postseason with an 11-point lead over the Toronto Arrows. Their form has slipped, however, with back-to-back defeats and only a single bonus point from last week’s game against Utah. Stephen Brett has rung the changes with only five starters retained.
It’s back to the first choice front row of Will Burke, Marko Janse van Rensburg, and John-Roy Jenkinson. Evan Mintern packs down alongside Johan Momsen at lock. The latter moves back to the engine room with Jason Damm in at No8 and captain Matt Heaton restored on the flank.
Rowan Gouws comes in at scrumhalf to partner Kurt Coleman, and the new midfield combination is Will Leonard and Te Rangatira Waitokia. Canadian international Cole Davis makes his club debut on the wing. It’s his first appearance of the season after arriving from Austin during the week.
The Free Jacks meanwhile are still riding a record win streak that has now hit nine games. Old Glory proved a worthy opponent last weekend but ultimately couldn’t match the strength in depth of the overall leaders. It’s a nearly-identical starting lineup this week with the only change at hooker where Pieter Jansen is recalled.
Mills Sanerivi is named among the reserves where there are just two further alterations. Cam Davidowicz replaces Reegan O’Gorman, with blindside flanker Jesse Parete offering second row cover if required. Holden Yungert has recovered from injury to take up the backup scrumhalf role from Zachary Short.
New England will be expecting a bumper crowd in the wake of the World Cup announcement. Warm weather is on the forecast which should make for a cauldron-like atmosphere. The Free Jacks also notably won their earlier encounter this season in convincing fashion despite playing on the road.
ATL will be looking to redeem that loss at Silverbacks Park. The have an imposing forward pack and the benefit of an extra import player after their trade with San Diego, but concede form and home field advantage. Take the Free Jacks as favorites in a physical contest.
Kickoff is set for 7pm local time, 4pm Pacific. A local broadcast will be available on NBC Sports Boston with The Rugby Network streaming worldwide.
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
1 Kyle Ciquera, 2 Pieter Jansen, 3 Erich de Jager, 4 Josh Larsen (capt.), 5 Stan van den Hoven, 6 Jesse Parete, 7 Slade McDowall, 8 Wian Conradie, 9 John Poland, 10 Beaudein Waaka, 11 Paula Balekana, 12 Le Roux Malan, 13 Wayne van der Bank, 14 Mitch Wilson, 15 Dougie Fife
Replacements: 16 Mills Sanerivi, 17 Alex Johnston, 18 Spencer Krueger, 19 Cam Davidowicz, 20 Joe Johnston, 21 Holden Yungert, 22 Jack Reeves, 23 Harrison Boyle
RUGBY ATL
1 Will Burke, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 4 Evan Mintern, 5 Johan Momsen, 6 Connor Cook, 7 Matt Heaton (capt.), 8 Jason Damm, 9 Rowan Gouws, 10 Kurt Coleman, 11 Cole Davis, 12 Will Leonard, 13 Te Rangatira Waitokia, 14 Harley Davidson, 15 Joaquín de la Vega Mendía
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Erasmus, 17 Alex Maughan, 18 Lincoln Sii, 19 Conor Keys, 20 Vili Helu, 21 Ryan Rees, 22 Duncan van Schalkwyk, 23 Ryan Nell
Date: Friday, May 13
Venue: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy
Kickoff: 19:00 local (16:00 Pacific)
Referee: George Selwood (England)
Assistants: Lex Weiner (USA) & Nick Tricarico (USA)
TMO: Davey Ardrey (USA)
Broadcasts: NBC Sports Boston, The Rugby Network
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2022-03-26 – Rugby ATL 27, New England Free Jacks 41 (Silverbacks Park)
2021-07-18 – New England Free Jacks 22, Rugby ATL 19 (Veterans Memorial Stadium)
2021-05-15 – Rugby ATL 33, New England Free Jacks 18 (Lupo Family Field)
