Wasatch Cup 2010: Media & Thoughts

Scrummin’ Utes drop close contest to BYU (DailyUtahChronicle.com)

Wasatch Cup 2010: BYU Kicks Its Way to Win (BYURugby.com)

Davies Boots BYU Past Utah (RugbyMag.com)

Homecoming Recap (BYURugby.com)

College: Western Scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Dylan Lubbe (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Justen Nadauld (BYURugby.com)

Now, just a few thoughts looking back at last weekend.

What a game, folks! The more I reflect on it in terms of the bigger picture, I think it was so much more amazing than I originally realized. Think of it: top-ranked BYU and Utah play each other before a packed house, on a pristine field, on a national television network... Not more than a few years ago, any coach or player wouldn't have believed it possible to have such an opportunity for a regular season game! And people have taken notice... even Coach Jack Clark of Cal Berkeley (in his final comments on ARN's "CollegeTalk", Episode 21) mentioned how impressive everything was about the game and its venue as he watched on BYU-TV (maybe even cheered for BYU a little too... maybe??). :D

And think of this fact: the final score of 15-10 is one of the lowest scores I've ever seen between BYU and Utah... True, it was a sloppy game for both teams, but it was obviously a very competitive and balanced match-up. The score can't hide that fact. Let's just say that Utah is nearly back in elite form, and BYU needs to step it up lest they be overtaken. With all of these thoughts, I must make another pitch for the upcoming "Utah Rugby College Showdown" in which BYU again faces Utah, March 24th, in Rio Tinto Stadium! Talk about potential for an unbelievable match!! And what a game it will be in one of the largest sporting venues in Utah before hosts of rugby fans!!!

Before that day comes, however, both teams have a load of work to do. Both sides' execution, or lack thereof, was characterized by errors leading to penalties and turnovers: Utah's issues with poor ball handling and not releasing the ball in the ruck; BYU's issues with offsides at the breakdown and shoddy, embarrassing line-outs. I would spend a whole page just venting on these points of failure, but suffice it to say that they are unacceptable if BYU wishes to be competitive in the National Tournament, let alone dominant. I mean, to not score a single try in a game is unheard of for BYU... for a reason. These aren't the kind of struggles that BYU coaches want to see at this point in the season, especially with a subsequent match against Utah on the docket as well as a meeting with San Diego State and tough playoff tests immediately thereafter. Sorry fellas, but you can't afford to make those mistakes... you can only afford improvement.

On a brighter note, the BYU defensive effort was relatively encouraging. The return of inside center Tupu Folau added some juice to the mix by smothering the threat of Thretton Palamo. Additionally, the fire possessed and second efforts displayed by the deep three of Andrew Harrison, Ryan Blaser, and Lelann Latu were impressive; it's always fun to see freshman players (the latter two) step up to the plate and meet the opposition. And don't forget the BYU scrum, holding up well despite the loss of big prop Mike Price and lock Isikeli Volavola to injury. Good work fellas; you really dodged a bullet, but let's use it to wax smarter and stronger! We want to keep seeing that new BYU Rugby Haka as often as possible!!!

Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the boot of Shaun Davies... worth all the praise we BYU Rugby fans can offer! (Enjoy the Paul Meyers photo, his best in my opinion, from last year's semifinal match against San Diego State) Thanks to Our Boys for the Wasatch Cup win, and we look forward to some more great games in the coming weeks! Go Cougars!!!


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BYU Rugby vs. Utah: March Mayhem!

The time has come... the tale of two universities continues... the epic rivalry between rugby powerhouses BYU and Utah culminates yet again in the month of March with not one but two match meetings!!!


First, within only a matter of hours (1:00 PM, Saturday, March 6), the BYU Rugby team takes their home pitch against the University of Utah to decide the recipient of the coveted Wasatch Cup (live television coverage provided by BYU-TV). The winner earns a direct spot in the Round of 16 for the National Championship playoffs in April, not to mention the pride and respect of their respective schools. The loser... well, they just inherit an extra dose of bad luck (see "Utah Rugby 2009 season"). :P

Second, on March 24th, BYU again meets Utah in an exhibition match to be held in Rio Tinto Stadium (click the link to reserve advance tickets; BYU fans sit in the EAST grandstand with the Superfans, not in the 'club seats' with the red people). The event is actually a double-header with a teaser match between Utah Valley University and Utah State preceding the main event. All in all, it should be a great night for BYU Rugby, for all levels of rugby in Utah, and for the sport in general.

Now, before I get totally crazy and ooze with bias (a little too late, I know) for the Cougars of BYU, let me tell you why this year's Wasatch Cup match won't exactly be a cakewalk... (not that any game against Utah is ever easy, but this one's a heck of a lot more promising than last year's meetings!)

In the Red Corner, we have the Utes of Utah, rejuvenated and ready to come out swinging. After a tough season of unrealized expectations and rebuilding, our red brethren have found some fire in the likes of a few all-star freshmen, namely, Thretton Palamo at flyhalf, Don Pati at scrumhalf, and Naki Angilau at fullback. The former of these boasts an already-impressive résumé, having represented the USA in international level play, both for the US Eagles and US Sevens teams... If that doesn't make sense to you, it essentially means that he's got about as much rugby talent as anyone his age in the nation... and then some. Add to this threat the proven talent of Don Pati and Naki Angilau, two standout players selected to the US Under-20 national team in the last year.

No great mystery here, folks, but I'd be willing to bet that Coach Burdette's putting a lot of faith in these guys to really scramble the BYU defense. So what do you know: Utah will actually have a backline this year! ... I just hope no one, and especially not all, of them are a 'Paul Lasike' type or we may be in for a long night!

As far as the Utah forwards are concerned, I don't really know what to expect. Last year's pack was a sort of hodgepodge group that seemed to bring a general inconsistency in execution. Other than a random mention of their flankers, Mike Kimball and Mike Jeszczak, and lock Scott Metcalf, I'll err on the side of caution and say that they're probably better than last year. After all, they did only barely lose to the University of Victoria, a well-established Canadian team, to the tune of 38-22. So, we'll see what their scrum has to offer... if they 'possess the constitution' to bring it!

In the Blue Corner, we have the Cougars of BYU, our beloved defending National Champions! Coming off of their most successful season ever, BYU counts with a great amount of depth, especially in the forwards... and good thing too, as recent injuries to starting prop, Mike Price, and starting lock, Isikeli Volavola, have turned these two into water boys for now. Anchoring the pack (literally!) nonetheless are big props All-American Mikey Su'a and New Zealand native Ray Forrester, as well as up-and-coming forward Joey Mount at hooker. Coupled with the solid back row of TJ Allred and Mark Bonham at lock, Haini Leaaetoa and Moana Hafoka at flanker, and Ryan Roundy at eight-man, the BYU scrum looks quite potent and prepped for the opposition. According to the most recent interviews, it sounds like our BYU side will be banking on the forwards to produce in dominant fashion (especially, I personally hope and pray, at the set piece!).

As for the backs, oohhhh, those BYU backs, we've got some fun stuff in the pipeline! Yes, it's a bit of a rebuilding season, and yes, a number of key starters have gone the way of graduation and ineligibility... But, remember, we're talking about Our Boys here! 'In the wings', we have Ryan Blaser, younger brother of epic speedster All-American John Blaser, as well as Konner Wiscombe, Sam Wolthius, and impressive freshman Lelann Latu. At center, we have returning starters Viliami Vimahi (Pila the 'Punisher'; see "Destruction of Cal 2009"), Tupu Folau (don't know if he's recouped yet) and Sean Howard, as well as supporter Adam Kuchin. Maybe not the most formidable cast in some critics' opinion but definitely coming together nicely... enough so to keep the Denver Barbarians on their toes last weekend!

And perhaps most lethal for the Cougars is the ever-impressive 'Dynamic Duo' of halfbacks Shaun Davies and Team Captain Dylan Lubbe. Both players contributed greatly to the Cougars' National Title last season and continue in similar fashion. However, seeing as how Utah appears to have an equally amazing 9-10 connection, I wouldn't be surprised if the scrum-to-backline linkage point may well be where all the craziness happens! We know that these four players are deadly in terms of offense, but just how strong will they be on defense? We might just be hearing the clash all the way up in the bleachers! (I honestly hope no ambulances will be necessary) Ahhhh, heaven help us, the suspense is unbearable!!!

As for the later March matchup, folks, I'll have to wait before I go too far out on a limb and say anything overly rash... After all, I've nearly met my quota for the month as is! That and I'm almost completely consumed by the prospects of tomorrow!

Sorry folks, but I'll just have to leave all of us hanging... this should be an amazing and intense match to be sure! Good luck to Our Boys as they take on those pesky Utes! And good luck (with feeble, outstretched hand) to Utah as they come down to Provo to put up with Our Boys, Our Fans, and... one crazy Superfan, of course!!! BYU Rugby Forever!!!
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BYU Rugby Releases 2010 Schedule

(from BYU Rugby update)

Provo, UT— The BYU Rugby program announced it’s 2010 season today highlighted by two live nationally televised games by BYU-TV.

Coming off the program’s most successful season in its history the Cougars’ 2010 schedule is full of teams that will challenge the Cougars on a weekly basis.

BYU starts with an opening match against UC Santa Barbara in Las Vegas, NV on January 9th. The Gauchos are coming off a down season for them, with a 2-6 2009 conference record, but are looking to rebound in 2010 being led by All American Prop Ross Silverman.

The Cougars return to Las Vegas again on January 23rd for a match against the men’s club the Las Vegas Blackjacks. The Blackjacks finished the 2009 season as the Division I runners-up losing the final to the Gentlemen of Aspen 25-10.

With star center Seta Tuilevuka, brother of BYU Alum Alipate Tuilevuka, sparking the backline, the Blackjacks will prove a formidable challenge for the Cougars.

The annual Red Rocks Tournament in St. George, UT next pits BYU against the nationally ranked University of Delaware January 29th. The Blue Hens won the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Division with big wins against Penn State, Kutztown and Navy and were ranked #1 in the country by Rugby Magazine at the close of the Fall 2009 season.

BYU will host its first home match by bringing the Aggies of Utah State to Provo on February 6th. The Cougars hosted the Aggies last year in the first live nationally televised collegiate rugby match on BYU-TV coming out victorious.

The Cougars will visit Las Vegas for a third time as they participate in the Las Vegas Invitational, which is a showcase tournament pitting top collegiate teams against each other.

At the Las Vegas Invitational BYU will take on Texas A&M on February 12th. The Cougars played the Aggies of Texas A&M in 2009 and won 36-15. BYU will play a second day game against Western Washington University.

The Cougars take a much-deserved bye week on February 20th before they measure themselves against last year’s Rugby Super League semi-finalist the Denver Barbarians on February 27th in Grand Junction, CO.

The Cougars and Barbarians met last year with the former winning 32-20 in hotly contested match. The Barbarians followed up their performance with a strong RSL season only to lose their semifinal match in injury-time to eventual RSL champ San Francisco Golden Gate 16-12.

Following the Cougars’ showdown in Grand Junction the much anticipated 2010 Wasatch Cup match with the University of Utah kick-offs on South Field on March 6th at 1pm. The Cougars routed their rival 59-15 in Salt Lake City last year to claim the Wasatch Cup for the fourth straight year.

The 2010 Wasatch Cup match against Utah will also serve as BYU’s homecoming game for all Cougar alumni with activities and details to follow. BYU-TV will also broadcast this match live into its 48 million home national audience.

2008 semi-finalist the University of Colorado comes to South Field the next week on March 13th after rebuilding their team in 2009.

The Buffaloes finished their fall 2009 campaign with an 8-3 season and with All American Tommy Pasque at No. 8 they are looking spoil the Cougars’ perfect record at South Field. Kickoff against the Buffaloes is set for a 1pm kick off.

In back-to-back weeks the Cougars will have the Colorado match broadcast live via BYU-TV. Check your local cable and satellite provider for listing details.

The Cougars have left March 20th open for a fixture to be named later.

Another marquee match up on the schedule will see the Cougars square off in a “friendly” against their rival Utah on March 24th. The second match against the Utes will be held at the Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium and kick off is set for 7pm. Ticket details to follow.

A familiar foe in last year’s semifinal opposition San Diego State Aztecs will close out the regular season and home schedule for the Cougars on March 27th. The Cougars’ came from behind to beat the Aztecs 31-13 last year on their way to the program’s first national championship.

Kickoff for the match against the Aztecs is slated for 1pm and will serve as Senior Day for all graduating players.

Depending upon the outcome of the 2010 Wasatch Cup showdown with Utah earlier in March the Cougars will either get a bye past the Pacific Coast Regional Playoffs or be required to participate during the April 2nd-3rd playoff matches.

The top 16 teams of the regional playoffs nationwide will meet April 16-17th for the four pool opening rounds of the USA Rugby playoffs at either UC Santa Barbara or Life University.

Should BYU make it past the above rounds of playoffs the Cougars will look to defend their championship as one of the semifinalists on April 30th. The winners of the semifinals will then meet for the National Championship respectively to be held May 1st. All semifinal and championship matches are set for Stanford’s Steuber Rugby Stadium in Palo Alto, CA.

For more details go to www.byurugby.com

JAN 9 - 11:00 AM @ UC Santa Barbara (Las Vegas, NV, Sunset Park)
JAN 16 - BYE
JAN 23 - 1:00 PM @ Las Vegas Black Jacks
JAN 29 - TBD @ University of Delaware (Red Rocks Tournament)
FEB 6 - 1:00 PM @ UTAH STATE (RB Turf Field)
FEB 12 - TBD @ Texas A&M (Las Vegas Invitational)
FEB 13 - TBD @ Western Washington (Las Vegas Invitational)
FEB 20 - BYE
FEB 27 - 1:00 PM @ Denver Barbarians (Grand Junction, CO)
MARCH 6 - 1:00 PM @ UTAH (Wasatch Cup & Homecoming)(on BYU-TV)
MARCH 13 - 1:00 PM @ COLORADO (on BYU-TV)
MARCH 20 - 1:00PM @ TBA
MARCH 24 - 7:00 PM @ UTAH (Rio Tinto Stadium)
MARCH 27 - 1:00 PM @ SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (Senior Day)
APRIL 2-3 - TBD @ PCRFU PLAYOFFS
APRIL 16-17 - TBD @ USA RUGBY PLAYOFFS: Rounds of 16 & 8
APRIL 30-MAY 1 - TBD @ USA RUGBY PLAYOFFS: Semifinals & Championship
*All home games at South Field unless otherwise noted.
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