St Thomas at Strake Jesuit in a Scrimmage.
Westlake at Lake Travis in a friendly match
Saturday, January 26
Memorial at Westside in a friendly.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the blog, I do not write a preview of HS/Age-Grade friendlies. The same is not true of college friendlies.
12pm - Baylor vs A&M 2
2pm - LSU vs A&M 1
3:30pm - LSU 2 vs SHSU
Coach Nick Lane should be excited to roll out first. If Baylor's showing at the ARC 7s tournaments this past fall are any indication, they've got some good speed in the loose forwards and backline. The Aggies have a lot of depth and will not put out a weak 2nd side. Whatever A&M does in this match we should see much more of in the next game.
A&M v LSU? When has this match-up not been a beast of a match? Since 1997, when both teams stepped on the path that led them to where they are at today, it has been tooth and nail whenever the Aggies and the Tigers took the pitch. This match should be no different. Both teams have had big XVs showings in the Fall - A&M against Rice and LSU against Texas St. Both teams had a strong 7s season.
Texas A&M has every reason to come out big, strong, and fast - looking for a good start to the season.
LSU will have a tough time winning the SCRC this year with all of the good teams and long distances for each to travel. LSU will be looking to wreck A&M's confidence.
I'll be in the commentator's booth calling the play-by-play for this match. Check back with RuckBottom for a webcast link. This should be a great match!
LSU's 2nds take on Sam Houston State for the curtain call match. SHSU is coming off of a tough loss to Rice. Sam got their rugby motor started late against Rice and should use this game to correct that matter. Sam has fearless tacklers and strong runners that need to strike early and strike hard to win. If the Bearkats can produce two consistent halves of rugby they are capable of playing, they will win this match by a large margin.
12pm SEU v UT 2 at Burr Field
2pm Texas State at TCU
2pm Rice at UNT (Venue Change from UNT to Denton city pitch)
2pm UH vs HURT 2nd XV at Rice's Rugby Pitch.
SEU's had a rough week and UT is ready for a match. This game is the opener to the Austin Blacks hosting the Dallas Reds. SEU needs to ensure breakdown discipline is high. Their defense has been consistently stingy all season. However, they've experienced some recent challenges in the front row. The Hilltoppers have worked real hard to develop depth. This match should measure their success in that department. UT plans to ask some questions of SEU's ability to spin the ball wide and test them in the scrum. SEU must control the ball to win this game, otherwise UT will smother it and choke a victory out of them.
TCU hosts Texas State in a match-up that favors the Horned Frogs. Texas State is coming off of a tough fall season. TCU played strong in the fall and can win this easy, if they can replicate that success.
Rice is on a roll and UNT is in the middle of the pack. For Rice to win they must produce two halves of the scoring prowess they displayed in the first half against Sam Houston. For UNT to win, they must shut down the Rice scoring machine. A tall order. Rice may be on the road, but they typically travel well. Rice should win this one.
Finally, UH plays the HURT (Houston United Rugby Team) 2nd XV in a friendly at Rice University. HURT is enjoying an undefeated season in the Texas Senior Division 2. Their 1st XV will enjoy a week of rest. This match is all about UH & HURT developing experience and depth. Have fun and don't eat too many Bullritos during the 3rd Half!
January 26
2pm UT-Dallas at LeTourneau University
2pm Lamar at Angelo State
LeTourneau has been the darling of the Texas NSCRO this year. The Yellowjackets have just finished outfitting their new pitch and are eager to host the Comets. These are two of my favorite Texas college teams. Both have great coaches and enthusiastic programs. UT-Dallas has plenty of numbers and depth. This match may be theirs to lose, but they still remember what happened when teams counted them out in their inaugural season. LeTourneau's support has been phenomenal. This is an international university with a vision. Do NOT be surprised to see LeTourneau Rugby becoming a varsity program or high-performance club sport in the future.
Lamar has a long drive to visit an Angelo State Ram team that has proven strong at home. Advantage to Angelo State.
I signed into the USA Rugby Hangout on Google+ with Bui Baravilala & Carlin Isles last night. Bui is looking forward to tackling and running over Cannucks. Carlin relishes a chance to out pace Dan Norton. Make time to sign into these hangouts when they are scheduled. Our National Team players need to see that people support them and are behind them. This is a great way to make that happen (that and I do not want to be the guy asking all the questions every time!).