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The University of Memphis rugby team has prepared for the second game of the season against the Bulldogs after the Tigers lost a one-point contest with MTSU.
"I think we have a lot of good communication," said Musa Banat, the captain of the team. "Whenever the line needed to be broken down and we needed to shift to certain sides, we did exactly that."
MTSU played Memphis at Memorial Field and came away with an ugly win of 15-14. MTSU has not only been successful during the regular season, but they also played at a high level and made it to the playoffs in Miami, Florida, in 2016. The Blue Raiders won the last three matches against the Tigers, but it was the closest margin by far.
The Tigers had a difficult early season test and will now look to rebound against a nearby Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) team, Mississippi State.
Banat said he wants to see the program earn a spot in a recognized rugby conference such as the SCRC.
Along with MSU and MTSU, Memphis will also be playing the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. The Tigers beat the Vols by a comfortable margin last season and look to do so once more. Memphis understands that every win against a competitive opponent could earn big attention as the Tigers try to join a rugby conference.
Will Allen extends his reach to keep possesion of the ball at the top of a lineout. Memphis rugby won nearly all of their lineouts in the loss to MTSU.
Head coach of the Memphis Tigers Rugby Club Steve Swatzyna said they have a legitimate chance of beating the Bulldogs.
"It should be a good game," Swatzyna said. "Their players are typically bigger but also slower. They are also not as well coached, so we are going to work on a few things before the game and come out ready to play."
The Tigers scored nine of their 14 points through field goals, which is nine more points than MTSU scored through kicking. Memphis demonstrated strength during points of adversity during the game.
As the game was 10-8 in favor of the Blue Raiders, the Tigers kept a good defense and continued to find ways to rally in their own 22-meter line to get possession back and keep MTSU from scoring.Â
Swatzyna said it was a great first half. He also said he wanted his players to look for openings and continue to keep the Blue Raiders on their toes. Additionally, he mentioned the game would come down to possessions and which team would overload a side of the field first.Â
The Tigers established a clean, well-running mindset to start the season. MTSU not only had more turnovers and penalties, but they also had three players receive a yellow card and were sent to the sin-bin.
Memphis has worked hard following that game and have prepared to take on a new opponent, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The game will be at Memorial Field on Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. Memphis and its fans are hoping the Tigers can upset another SCRC opponent this year.Â
