It may not be Yankees vs Red Sox quite yet, but things have been pretty close between the New England Free Jacks and Rugby New York over the past couple of seasons. New England got the better of the two teams back in March with a 38-29 win, and now Rugby New York will try to even the series for a second consecutive season. Check the Free Jacks vs Rugby NY Betting Analysis below
The Free Jacks remain atop the MRL Eastern Conference standings with a 13-2 record, with New York (10-5) sitting in third heading into this final match of the regular season. New England wants to close out the regular season with a perfect record at home – but then again, New York is one of the best road teams in the conference going 6-1 away from Hoboken.
Last Game Records
Both of these teams had their offenses working last week, with New York sealing a 59-49 win over Old Glory DC and New England thoroughly dominating Nola Gold 57-5. The Free Jacks are now the best team in MRL with a 13-2 record and 61 points.
Also, with that win back in March, New England moves to 4-1 all-time against their East Coast rivals. New York did manage to get a split last season, winning 29-19 at Cochrane Stadium in New Jersey but falling 29-6 at Union Point Stadium in Waymouth, Massachusetts.
The 38-29 loss earlier in the year was a home game for New York, played in New Jersey. They’ll have a tough time going on the road Friday.
Free Jacks vs Rugby NY Betting Analysis
New England was a +200 underdog winner when the teams met up back in March and looking back, that was a steal. Then again, New York was 3-0 at the time and also at home. New England was also coming off a 19-15 loss to the LA Gitinis the week prior.
Things are going to be much different in game two, however. Since that win over New York, the Free Jacks have won 11 of their last 12. New York is 7-4 since the teams first met, so it’s safe to say New England is on a roll. The Free Jacks look like the play, especially at home.
One thing that could trip up the Free Jacks is that they have already clinched the #1 overall seed in the playoffs. The team will host the Eastern Conference Finals on June 19th and then the MLR Championship on June 25th if they get the win. Could this be a rest game for New England?
Free Jacks Back in the Groove
New England is on a tear, but they are not perfect, slipping up 33-18 in a visit to the Toronto Arrows two weeks ago. Even so, that was their first defeat since February 27th, and it seems to have humbled the Free Jacks as they recovered to stomp NOLA Gold 57-5 last weekend.
This will be the playoff debut for the Free Jacks, so it’s uncharted waters how the team will approach their final week.
Is This the Year for New York?
This is a nice final regular-season tune-up for Rugby New York as they make their third straight playoff appearance. This team has been so close to an MRL Final appearance that it’s almost been painful. They lost 24-22 to San Diego in 2019 on the last-minute try, and in 2021 they fell 10-9 to Rugby ATL.
Three points have been the difference between two Finals appearances for New York, but even with that success, they’ve had their share of struggles against New England, trailing the all-time series 4-1.
Free Jacks vs Rugby NY Betting Preview
New England pulled off a shocker as the underdog back in March but has since shown they are legitimate. The Free Jacks will not be underdogs this time around.
Free Jacks vs Rugby NY Betting Prediction
The only thing that would slip up New England here is if they are coasting after already clinching their first-ever playoff berth. This is a rivalry game, though, and teams know it’s also not wise to head into the postseason on the negative momentum of a loss. Plus, the Free Jacks want to finish the regular season a perfect 8-0 at home.
How to Bet on Free Jacks vs Rugby NY
Take New England to win.
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