Men’s Rugby host Utah tomorrow
In its final home game of the season the Utah State University men’s rugby team will play the University of Utah on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the HPER field.
Last week when they were shut out 24-0 against Weber State University, the Aggies were missing six starters and had to pull their smaller backs up to the forward position, which are usually manned by larger players, team captain Brant Fletcher said.
This Saturday the Aggies are counting on playing with all their starters except for Fletcher, who said he will be on the sideline until next week with a dislocated shoulder.
For the most part, the Aggies expect to compete with their usual game plan, Fletcher said. He considers the Utes to be one of the best rugby teams in Utah. Two weeks ago, the Ute’s defeated the Wildcats 91-0, but that was without some of the Wildcats’ key players, he said.
The Aggies plan on playing the game near the Utes forwards because they are small in that position and can’t hit as hard as USU, Fletcher said. The Aggies especially need to utilize the ball on their forward attack in order to come out on top, he said.
“If our guys just run hard with the ball they’re more likely to break plays,” Fletcher said. “I feel we can score and should score, but it will be a tough match.”
Last year against Utah the Aggies lost 10-5 in an exciting game and they expect an even better match this year, Fletcher said.
Saturday, the Aggies will look to Brady Firth, who Fletcher said will be replacing him at the number eight position. The number eight position is generally reserved for the leader of the forwards, he said.
Along with Firth, the Aggies are counting on veterans Bryce Baxter and Kevin Arrington – who is returning from a deep thigh bruise after missing last weeks game – to lead them to victory over the Utes, Fletcher said.
Following the Utah match, the Aggies will return to the road for a showdown with Utah Valley State College on Saturday, Oct. 27.
The USU women don’t play a match this week, but will be back in action next Saturday against a club team called Ten Alb. USU’s next home match is on
Saturday, Nov. 3 against Weber State.