By Aaron Wilson
When the Houston SaberCats travel to New England to square off against the Free Jacks, this matchup represents a clash between two of the top squads in Major League Rugby.
The SaberCats and Free Jacks are both 7-3 overall.
The SaberCats are the defending Western Conference division champions and narrowly trail the Utah Warriors in the current standings.
Meanwhile, the Free Jacks won the Major League Rugby Shield last season with a championship victory over the Seattle Seawolves.
“Obviously, it’s a big one against New England,” said SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt, who scored a pair of tries in a win last week against Old Glory D.C. and was named Man of the Match. “Playing away up there, it’s going to be a massive game. It’s one we’re really excited about.”
The SaberCats match will be broadcast live on CW39 and ESPN+ at 1 p.m. Central on Sunday.
The Free Jacks are led by Faletoi Peni, who has 37 points, followed by Paula Balekana and Jed Melvin with 30 points apiece. Balekana and Melvin lead the team with six tries each. Wian Conradie leads them with 113 carries, and Balekana with 393 meters made. Joe Johnston leads the Free Jacks with 132 tackles.
“I think they have a great squad,” Den Hoedt said. “They really know how to use the ball. They’ve had a relatively similar squad for the last two years. I think they’ve played really well in the last two years and have continued to do so. We have to be ready.”
For the SaberCats, Davy Coetzer, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, is the leading scorer with 49 points followed by 35 for AJ Alatimu’s 35 points, Den Hoedt’s 25 points, Tautalatasi Tasi’s 20 points and Drew Wild’s 18 points. Den Hoedt leads the team with five tries.
Former Dallas Jackals standout Samuel Tuifua leads the SaberCats with 129 carries and 556 meters made.
Andre Warner leads the team with 413 passes. Emmanuel Albert leads the team with 110 tackles.
“The next focus is obviously keeping it up,” Tasi said. “I’m just going to focus on myself and the team and see what we can do to hopefully get the next one.”
What’s it going to take for the SaberCats to pull off a pivotal road win?
“Just keeping the vibes up and the continuity,” Jeremy Misailegalu said. “Just keep going throughout the week, taking it day by day.”
