Chicago City Wire

Chicago Hounds Head Coach Chris Latham has announced his 23-man roster for the upcoming Week 13 game against the New England Free Jacks. This match, featuring the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Latham and Forwards Coach Todd Dammers have decided to maintain the same front row that played in last weekend's win over Miami. Loosehead prop Fakaosifolau Pifeleti and tighthead prop Charlie Abel will join hooker Dylan Fawsitt for the scrum. The front row reserves remain unchanged with Zurabi Zhvania, Ignacio Peculo, and Jackson Zabierek expected to contribute later in the game.

Vice-Captain James Scott will partner with Mason Flesch in the engine room. Flesch returns after missing last week's game. Tavius Sykora-Matthess aims to earn his second cap with an appearance off the bench on Saturday.

Conall Boomer retains his position as starting blindside flanker after a strong performance against the Sharks. Mac Jones and Luke White complete this week's back row lineup. Matt Oworu returns to seek his seventh MLR cap from the bench, while Captain Lucas Rumball continues recovering from an injury sustained against Miami.

In terms of changes to the starting backline, rookie Peyton Wall will start on the left wing, replacing Mark O’Keeffe who moves to No. 23 on the bench. Tim Swiel takes over at fullback from Michael Hand II.

Mitch Short and Chris Hilsenbeck remain as first-choice halfbacks. Hilsenbeck is currently fourth in league scoring with 59 points and has been effective with conversions and penalties this season.

The center partnership of Ollie Devoto and Bryce Campbell makes its tenth start together this season. Campbell will serve as captain in Rumball's absence.

Noah Brown continues on the right wing, having made significant contributions this season including three clean line breaks and ten defenders beaten. Tim Swiel completes the starting-15 at fullback.

Reserve scrumhalf Jason Higgins and versatile back Adriaan Carelse are set to make their impact from the substitutes' bench during the second half.

The previous encounter between these teams was in Week Three when Chicago secured a decisive 36-7 victory over New England. This meeting could significantly affect playoff standings as both teams vie for top positions in their conference.

Fans can watch Saturday's game live at 3 PM central time on Fox Chicago+ or ESPN+. International viewers can stream it via Rugby Network.