New England Free Jacks set to begin playoffs with third straight Major League Rugby title in sight
For Free Jacks coach Ryan Martin, having an adaptable team has been part of the success all season. After battling numerous injuries, the Free Jacks have played 39 of the 40 team members, the most of any team in the competition.
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Martin believes the team will go as far as the defense takes it.
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'We squeeze the opposition into making mistakes through our relentless defense,' he said.
This season, the Free Jacks led the league in tries from turnovers.
'Once we create those errors, we're really good at converting those into points,' Martin said.
On the other end of the field, strategizing on attacks is a place of emphasis heading into the postseason. For team captain Joe Johnston, the key to the offense is composure.
'We've got to make sure in the big moments or if the game's tight that we stay composed and are able to execute what we've trained and what we're trying to do,' he said.
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Johnston is a former winner of the team's highest honor, the Minuteman Award, and is playing his fourth season with New England at the wiley back row position. His mother is a Boston native and father played rugby in the city.
He said the Free Jacks have bonded and jelled on and off the pitch and are ready to chase a third title.
'You knew the group was going to be tight, but culture is a big contributor to winning championships,' he said.
In March, the Free Jacks rallied back in Utah against the Warriors from down 26-5 at the half to win, 33-26.
'That was the time I actually realized we could actually do the repeat,' Martin said. 'It showed how much resilience and how we thought we can be in those uncomfortable situations.'
Martin's message for the team over the next few weeks is 'pull the trigger'. He's encouraging the Free Jacks to be tenacious on both sides of the ball and take risks.
'Don't be scared to act yourself and be brave around your decision making,' he said.
The Free Jacks face the Miami Sharks on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. A win would put them into the conference final on June 21 against Chicago or Washington, DC.
The MLR final is scheduled for June 28 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.
Auzzy Byrdsell can be reached at
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