Match Recap: Boise State University

23 Dawgs headed to Boise this weekend. Travel was a breeze, everyone in tracksuits and proper documentation (a benefit of a team of UW student athletes). It was a clear sunny day at 53 degrees.

Meanwhile, the second side had an early morning game in Tacoma, and clinched a 26-17 win over University of Puget Sound.

Preparation had gone well all week, despite sickness through the club. Warm-ups were good, and the team seemed ready to take on a much-improved Broncos team. From the kickoff however, there was a hesitation, where we allowed Boise to catch their own opening kickoff. Boise's English flyhalf (likely the best in the conference) who had been missing for Boise's last few games, showed his intent right away when he chipped one over the top. We spent a considerable amount of time working on kicking, kick chase, and applying pressure this week - forcing Boise to play out of their own territory. Despite their flyhalf's exceptional boot, our flyhalf Jack Efrusey, now in his second year of rugby, and fullback Sebastian Sosa, countered tremendously well. Film analysis shows that we won the kicking battle. Our deep 3 rotated in and out, covering and returning kicks, probing Boise for unforced errors, which they made.

After a ruck penalty, Boise's 10 quick-tapped and nearly dotted it down. Held up and stripped by inside center Logan Haynes, this would be one of 4 held up Boise try attempts, showing promising goal-line defense. Logan transferred the ball to captain Jaedan (JJ) Johnson, who from inside out try zone, punted a huge kick downfield. Wing Lucas Hunziker kicked it ahead in the chase, and Jack Efrusy dotted it down for the first try of the game (100+ meters) in the 16th minute. Seb Sosa converted, followed shortly after by a penalty kick.

A bit of shoving ensued after UW scrumhalf Jsame Fola and their #8 exchanged words, and the Dawgs backed their man. It was encouraging to see, no punches were thrown, but this is a UW team that welcomes confrontation, for the first time in my tenure. Both players were yellow-carded, James Savio stepping in from wing to 9 played it well.

Two botched goal-line drop-outs in a row allowed BSU to score before the half, which seemingly changed the momentum for much of the rest of the game.

Halftime score: 10-5.

The coaches and captains are still trying to understand what happened next. BSU set off on a try fest. Our defensive structure started to fray, and it was all Boise, with try after try. It may have been a combination of simple errors turning over  possession, fatigue, and a loss of composure. Missed tackles crept in. The Boise players and fans did a great job of getting under our skin - mental fortitude faltered.

After the last Boise try, I broke the "technical zone" rules and ran down under the posts, asking if they wanted to end this game with any dignity left. The Dawgs turned around and scored the last try.

Final score: 17-45. Not a far cry from our 10-48 loss at home last year.

It was a somber trip home. The Huskies licked their wounds and reflected on what the heck happened out there. We were the more disciplined team in attack and defense, except for occasional lapses that were lethal. Consistency and mentality lost the game.

With Veterans day and fields cancelled, the team will be running the stairs and to Gasworks Park Monday, training T/W/Th, and class sessions W/F. The coaches will be focused on salvaging the season, and building resiliency.

‍