First, I want to say sorry for the late predictions. I’ll make sure to get them out earlier…might move them to a video setup. I’ll ponder on that a little more. That being said, lets take a look at the action that is happening in club rugby this week.
D1
New Orleans @ Houston Area Rugby Club (RRRC)
New Orleans (2-3) will be travelling to HARC (0-6) this week. There is no doubt that both these teams have lost a bit of their luster the past couple years. That doesn’t take away from this rivalry.
New Orleans has been weak on the road, but their road game losses have come from the top 3 teams in the league in the Dallas Red, Austin Blacks and Griffins. They still fashion a top tier unit of Backs, and will be as formidable against this HARC team.
HARC has struggled massively this season. Only once this season have they scored more than one Try. HARC has given up an average of 55.5 points per game. That being said, HARC is still a team that carries players with above average skill.
Look for New Orleans to take this game on the road, 35-3.
Austin Blacks @ Griffins Rugby (RRRC)
The Austin Blacks (8-0, 6-0) will travel to Allen, TX to take on the Griffins (4-2) this week. This is a top 3 battle in the Red River Conference.
What can be said about the Austin Blacks that isn’t well known? There isn’t much. Since coming in second in the nation last year, they have done nothing short of play with a chip on their shoulder with a focus to get back to the championships. The Blacks have been absolutely dominate this year. They have averaged 49 points per game. Allowed only an average of 16 points per game. They’ve shut out 1 team, and have scored over 100 points in one game.
The Griffins have been having a phenomenal season. They have been on fire 3 of the last 6 weeks. They have scored over 40 points each game and have only allowed 19 points the last three weeks. They have
The Griffins have been showing up this season, and are looking to rectify their losses to the Dallas Reds and the Austin Blacks. The Austin Blacks are just continuing to roll as they try and close another championship season in the Red River Conference, as well as one in the Rugby Gold Cup. The Griffins are almost ready to compete for the top spot, but for now the Austin Blacks are just a little bit too powerful. Look for the Austin Blacks to take this game, 35-14.
D2
Birmingham @ Memphis (True South)
Birmingham (2-0) travels out to Memphis (0-2) this weekend.
The Birmingham Vulcans are looking to keep up with their streak of wins this season. Experience at key positions has been big for this team. They return a young Back line, that is chocked full of speed, athleticism and an additional year of experience under their belt. The Forwards are captained by long time veterans that set up a balance for this team. These elements were seen in the 27-5 home win against Baton Rouge last week.
Memphis has had a rough start to the season so far. They lost in the Fall, on the road, to a scrappy Battleship team, 57-25. They then lost to Jackson for their opening game of the Spring season, 50-29. Memphis has the pleasure of finally being able to host one at home. They should be able to put up a better defense with home field advantage available for them.
Though this game is in Memphis, the Vulcans look to have just a bit too much balance of speed and power for Memphis to handle right now. Look for the Vulcans to take this game 35-10.
Jackson @ Baton Rouge (True South)
Jackson (2-1) will be travelling to Baton Rouge (2-1) for this week.
Jackson is coming off their second consecutive win defeating Battleship 17-3. Jackson continues to show their scrappy play. Jackson has been able to defend their home extremely well, but have been weaker on the road. Their last road trip was against Birmingham, and ended in a 48-0 loss.
Baton Rouge is coming off their biggest defeat in 2 seasons. Last season the took control of the True South with a perfect season, even playing two close games against Birmingham. Last week, Birmingham defeated them handedly on the road, 27-5. Baton Rouge will look to try and make up for that loss against Jackson.
Baton Rouge has shown to have the skills to win play with anyone in the league. Jackson has yet to prove themselves on the road. Look for Baton Rouge to get their second spring season win at home. Baton Rouge wins, 25-3.