New England Free Jacks take a home tie advantage, after finishing top of the Eastern Conference table. Miami Sharks finished up 4th after a 50/50 season for their form, 8 wins and 8 defeats. Miami do come into the game with a recent victory over New England at home, 30 - 19 but New England beat them convincingly earlier in the season at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. 43 - 6 to New England on the day. New England will be looking to avoid any upsets tonight.
New England Free Jacks take a home tie advantage, after finishing top of the Eastern Conference table. Miami Sharks finished up 4th after a 50/50 season for their form, 8 wins and 8 defeats. Miami do come into the game with a recent victory over New England at home, 30 - 19 but New England beat them convincingly earlier in the season at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. 43 - 6 to New England on the day. New England will be looking to avoid any upsets tonight.
New England look to have rotated players last week ahead of this game, like other teams in their position too. Malakai Hala-Ngatai & Andrew Quattrin come into front row at Loose head and Hooker respectively. Sam Caird moves across to 5, and Piers Von Dadelszen moves into 4. Jed Melvin comes into the 6 shirt after Von Dadelszen moving into the row. Cam Nordli-Kelemeti and Dan Hollinshead form the 9/10 partnership for the match ahead. Paula Balekana steps into 11 & Le Roux Malan will don the 12 shirt today. The rest are unchanged from last week, with key personnel rested ahead of this Conference Semi Final. New England will be firm favourites for the victory and a place in the Conference Final.
Miami Sharks are in full rotation for today, its easier to write about who has stayed in the team than the changes made. Miami have clearly rotated the squad last week in preparation for this battle. It is only Mauro Rebussone at 5 & Marques Fuala’au at 8 that have retained their spots for today. Miami will have a tough match ahead against the table toppers of the conference but they will be refreshed and ready to look at causing a huge upset in the Conference.
