University of Utah Rugby started the season off with a solid performance beating SDSU by a score of 57-5.
SDSU had a great fall and played some close games against good teams, we knew we needed to come out at set the tone early and that we would have an advantage in size and speed in our Forward pack.
The Utah forwards were able to set the tone with big runs and strong defense. First Year Prop Ian Tapueluelu took the ball on a pick n go 5 meters out for the first try of the game and Utah never looked back. Utah Forwards had 3 freshman players get tries; Payton Fountaine, Sam Belcher and Jr Montano.
Big forward runs set up 3 tries from Scrum Half Genarro Fiorillo, who played an outstanding game.
Ultimately Coaches chose Spncer Hoon as Player of the Match for his unrelenting defense, massive tackles, crucial poaches, and some big runs when we needed them.
Back of the match was Alex Smith, Alex was previously running at scrum half and we needed a reliable defender at wing after losing our fullback Grant Taft to a broken ankle against Cal Poly. Alex had some big runs the first set up our first try he said I should have finished it then he later made good on that running in 2 tries.
Forward of the match was Drew McDaniel his defense was crucial he had some big hits and was everywhere on the field. Any time you can come away without missing a tackle it has been a good day.
Utah was able to get all their subs in early in the second half which was great to work on depth and stay a little more fresh for a big game next week against AZ.
It was exactly what Utah needed to get the season started.
Coach Griffee remarked “We have a really young team with only two seniors, 5 guys who are starting their sophomore season because of Covid and the rest are freshman (25 new players).
We have work to do to get these young guys playing together and creating the fluidity that comes with game and practice reps as a group.”