MLR 2024: Chicago Hounds vs Anthem Carolina

The Hounds return home rejuvenated by a strong road win over NOLA, and now look to build against the Charlotte-based newcomers. Anthem are still in search of their first victory though they did cause the Warriors significant concern for 50 minutes last week.

CURRENT STANDINGS

2-3-1 (W1) East 4th

0-6-0 (L6) East 6th

LINEUP CHANGES

3 Paddy Ryan rotates with 18 Ignacio Péculo
5 George Merrick replaces James Scott
8 Luke White replaces Mason Flesch (No4 vs NOLA)
9 Jason Higgins replaces Nick McCarthy
11 Julian Dominguez replaces Noah Brown
13 Bryce Campbell replaces Mark O’Keeffe
20 Mike Matarazzo replaces Conall Boomer
23 Noah Brown replaces Luke White

2 Connor Robinson replaces Declan Moore
4 Lucas Gramlick replaces Reagan Leslie
7 Albert O’Shannessey replaces Joe Basser
8 Dylan Fortune replaces Sione Latu
9 Conor McManus replaces Siaosi Nai
14 Tyren Al-Jiboori replaces David Still
15 Cliven Loubser replaces Shane Barry
18 Mika Felix replaces Jack Manzo
20 Michael Ma’afu replaces Logan Weidner
22 Shane Barry replaces Tyren Al-Jiboori

CAPPED INTERNATIONALS

(11) – Fawsitt, Ryan, Landry, White, Campbell, Augspurger, Baska (USA), Rumball, Higgins (Canada), Kearney (Ireland), Péculo (Uruguay)

(3) – Turnbull (USA), Apikotoa (Tonga), Loubser (Namibia)

CLUB DEBUTS

(0) – n/a

(1) – Michael Ma’afu*

* – pro debut

NOTABLE ABSENTEES

– Zura Zhvania (LH), Nick McCarthy (SH), Mark O’Keeffe (CE/WI)

– Declan Moore (HO), Jack Manzo (HO), Reagan Leslie (LO), David Still (WI)

NOTES

Jason Higgins gets his first start in a Chicago jersey… the Canada regular has previously suited up for Toronto and San Diego… he replaces USA starter Nick McCarthy… one of four international scrumhalves on the Hounds roster along with Nate Augspurger and Michael Baska
last year’s Hounds captain Bryce Campbell plays outside center for the first time this season… his first four appearances in the No12 shirt… he has played both positions at test level
this is the first Hounds match day squad of the season without Canadian lock or flanker Mason Flesch… that leaves Dylan Fawsitt, Maclean Jones, Adriaan Carelse, and Billy Meakes as the only players to be selected for every match thus far
Anthem reserves Mika Felix and Sean Yacoubian played with Chicago last season… Dan Hanson was in the Hounds Academy… Felix is the nominated hooker reserve on Anthem’s bench with Declan Moore and Jack Manzo both absent this week
Junior Gafa will now stick with Anthem for the remainder of the season… he was due to return to the Free Jacks but his loan deal has been extended with New England getting an import slot in return for Gafa’s services, cap considerations, and a 1st round draft pick
Cliven Loubser makes just his second appearance and first start with Anthem… he played for Namibia at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups and spent the past three years with Utah
reserve back row Tomolati ‘Michael’ Ma’afu is set for his pro debut with Anthem… he was a collegiate football player for the Idaho Vandals and Carroll College… Ma’afu is the younger brother of former USA u20 lock Nafi Ma’afu, who currently plays for Biarritz in France

PREDICTION

Both teams have opted for some rotation this week. While the Hounds finally started to look the part in New Orleans, they are still trying to figure out their top lineup. Anthem are closer in that regard and have proven worthy with ball in hand, but defense is a work-in-progress and an 80-minute performance remains elusive. Chicago are clear favorites.

LINEUPS

CHICAGO HOUNDS
1 Charlie Abel, 2 Dylan Fawsitt, 3 Paddy Ryan, 4 Ben Landry, 5 George Merrick, 6 Lucas Rumball, 7 Maclean Jones, 8 Luke White, 9 Jason Higgins, 10 Adriaan Carelse, 11 Julián Domínguez, 12 Billy Meakes (capt.), 13 Bryce Campbell, 14 Nate Augspurger, 15 Dave Kearney

Replacements: 16 Janus Venter, 17 Fred Apulu, 18 Ignacio Péculo, 19 Brad Tucker, 20 Mike Matarazzo, 21 Michael Baska, 22 Caolan Dooley, 23 Noah Brown

ANTHEM CAROLINA
1 Jake Turnbull (capt.), 2 Connor Robinson, 3 Joe Apikotoa, 4 Lucas Gramlick, 5 James Rivers, 6 Shneil Singh, 7 Albert O’Shannessey, 8 Dylan Fortune, 9 Conor McManus, 10 Oscar Koller, 11 Cael Hodgson, 12 Junior Gafa, 13 Te Rangatira Waitokia, 14 Tyren Al-Jiboori, 15 Cliven Loubser

Replacements: 16 Dan Hanson, 17 Ivan Pula, 18 Mika Felix, 19 Braemar Murray, 20 Michael Ma’afu, 21 Sean Yacoubian, 22 Shane Barry, 23 Ulu Niutupuivaha

MATCH INFO

Date: Sunday, April 14
Venue: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview
Kickoff: 15:00 local (13:00 Pacific, 16:00 Eastern)
Weather Forecast: sunny, 81°F (27°C), wind N 7-11mph (11-18km/h)
Broadcasts: Marquee Sports Plus, The Rugby Network