New England Rugby

104 - 14 What more to say? Lots of running rugby. No kicks at goal. Run everything, by both sides. NZ had way too much time. Time to regroup when they made a mistake, never lost forward momentum. US getting forced back all the time, never had room to move. But never gave up and showed flashes of learning from the experience.

USA on the board, with Nate Augspurger weaving his way through the All Blacks defense to notch the USA's first ever try against the New Zealanders as half time approaches. A minor respite from the AB onslaught, as the Kiwis run up 59 unanswered points in the first half.

Lineups announced for the USA Eagles v New Zealand All Blacks Oct 23rd clash.

The USA Eagles team to face the New Zealand All Blacks has been named for this weekend’s clash at FedEx Field in Washington DC.

https://www.usa.rugby/2021/10/usa-eagles-announce-match-day-roster-to-face-all-blacks-at-fedexfield-in-washington-dc/

In a first, all players are affiliated with MLR clubs. RUNY boasts five starters in the forwards, while NOLA, San Diego Legion and Utah Warriors are well represented in the squad.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have listed what is being called an experimental lineup:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby-all-blacks-name-experimental-team-to-face-usa/DOT5L3XVOMHTEM3NOJP6ZW3WEI/

Other than Sam Whitelock (127 appearances) and Richie Mo’unga (how does he only have 27 appearances?) and Damian McKenzie (37 appearances), the lineup features a number of single digit caps, while keeping a huge reservoir of experience on the bench to be called upon if necessary.

As for the US bench, a different approach is taken, with a total of just 34 appearances between them, compared to almost 400 for the visitors. Also, there are just two reserve backs on the bench for the US, #9 Michael Baska and #10 Mike Dabulas. It would be a shock if the US finished the game with players in their preferred positions. Flexibility will be essential for the squad as it seeks to rebound from the World Cup qualifier disappointment against Uruguay.

Rugby: All Blacks name experimental team to face USA - NZ Herald It will be a special day for new All Black lock Josh Lord, while Cane returns from injury.

July 16, 2021

Random end of regular season musings:

The Free Jacks were in the mix right up to the final few weeks. If one more result had gone in the team’s favor, there might be something to play for this weekend. That would have been nice and a great reward for the many close wins the team managed to pull out this year.


Wonder if the Free Jacks will empty the bench, and give significant time to players who have not seen much or any time lately?


First game in Quincy, should be fun. It is on public transportation (half mile walk from the Red line), with some better facilities. Parking may be trickier unfortunately.


Wian Conradie will be leaving the Free Jacks, moving to England to play with Gloucester in the Premiership. Coradie, who generally played # 8 for the Jacks, will be missed. Interesting to see Gloucester refer to him as a “prospect”.
Big congratulations to Kat Roche, youngest ref to take the whistle in an MLR game. (OK, I am not sure about that stat) . Oh, and she is also the first woman to officiate an MLR game. Phenomenal achievement, congratulations!


NOLA Gold, having done the apparently hard work and defeated LA, just needed a win against Seattle to set up a last game winner takes all against RUNY for the second playoff spot. Instead the loss in Seattle left NOLA with a very large hill to climb in the last week. NOLA needs a win, score four or more tries, deny RUNY any bonus points, and overcome a 26 point differential. That’s a tough task, on the road.


Toronto Arrows finally ended the long, long road trip. 118 days, as the team played in Atlanta for the season. Impressive the team managed to keep it together, it can’t have been easy, to make a vast understatement. Was it worth it?

Another home game, another win

Free Jacks keep home win streak going with win over Seattle Seawolves | New England RugbyNew England Rugby Free Jacks keep home win streak going with win over Seattle Seawolves Posted on June 15, 2021 by admin Is it possible to win five games in Major League Rugby by a total of just fifteen points? Apparently so, as the New England Free Jacks has accomplished this feat in its undefeated 2021 home schedul...

New England Free Jacks hold off Old Glory DC in entertaining encounter.

Free Jacks see off strong challenge from Old Glory DC | New England RugbyNew England Rugby Free Jacks see off strong challenge from Old Glory DC

http://www.nerugby.com/free-jacks-fall-rugby-atl/

Free Jacks fall to ATL

Free Jacks fall to Rugby ATL | New England RugbyNew England Rugby Free Jacks fall to Rugby ATL Posted on May 17, 2021 by admin May 17, 2021 The Free Jacks lost out on what turned out to be a golden opportunity to capture top place in the Eastern Conference over the weekend. With RUNY and NOLA Gold both unexpectedly faltering (IMO, at least), the winner of the Free...

http://www.nerugby.com/expect-gilgronis/

What to expect from the Gilgronis | New England RugbyNew England Rugby What to expect from the Gilgronis Posted on May 7, 2021 by admin Don’t look now, but it it were not for the LA Giltinis, the Auston Gilgronis would be top of the standings. With a 4-2 record, the Gilgronis have rebounded from a slow start to win four straight games and they will present a big chal...

Nice work by the Free Jacks against San Diego Legion:

Free Jacks enjoy successful West Coast trip | New England RugbyNew England Rugby Free Jacks enjoy successful West Coast trip Posted on May 4, 2021 by admin The Free Jacks had a successful trip out West, garnering maximum points against a depleted San Diego Legion outfit in the LA Coliseum this weekend. The Free Jacks got off to a blazingly fast start, crossing the try-line three...

Free Jacks head out West again

Free Jacks head West to take on San Diego Legion | New England RugbyNew England Rugby Free Jacks head West to take on San Diego Legion Posted on April 29, 2021 by admin It is back to the West coast and the LA Coliseum for the New England Free Jacks, but instead of the LA Giltinis, it is the San Diego Legion that will be the opponent. The game is part of a double header that will also...

Excellent defensive work by the Free Jacks I the long awaited home opener against the Utah Warriors. 22-21 the final score, with the Warriors closing the gap late, leading to a tense final few minutes. Report to follow.

Free Jacks on a 30 day suspension of the season (beginning Mar 12)