Whoooo it’s a whole new week of Rugby. Everyone is back on matrix schedules after a week of 15s and 7s tournaments. Let’s get right to these predictions!
Texas Rugby Union
Tulsa Rugby Club (4-1) at Fort Worth Rugby Club (2-2)
Fort Worth will be hosting Tulsa this weekend. Fort Worth hasn’t played a matrix game since February 21 in a close win over Shreveport. That being said, they have not been idle. Two weeks ago they had a win over Austin Huns D2, 50-38, so Fort Worth won’t be coming off too rusty. Tulsa, on the other hand, has been rolling in the Red River Conference. Their only loss has come to league leader, Little Rock. March 7th they won handily over Shreveport in a 66-19. Tulsa is looking hard to end in the top 2 in the Red River Conference North and make their bid for the championships. Fort Worth played Tulsa in the Fall, losing to them on the road 41-13. Though Fort Worth will be at home, they have not particularly dominate at home. Their win over the Huns came against a short staffed team. Look for Tulsa to take this game.
Alamo City Rugby Club (1-4) at Katy Lions Rugby Club (2-2)
Alamo City has not been the most impressive team this season. They have played a tough schedule so far with losses to divisional leaders Houston United and the Woodlands. Unfortunately Alamo City has only garnered one on the season, and that came against last place, Bay Area. Katy Lions have not been significantly better, though they have managed to get wins over Alamo City and Bay Area. I don’t expect Katy to have any losses to Alamo City. I expect a solid win at home by Katy.
Oklahoma City Crusaders (0-4) at Shreveport Rugby Club (1-4)
This is a match of two teams that have greatly underachieved. Neither teams are as bad as their records show. Both these teams have been competitive in the games they have played, but just have been in capable of closing out in the second half. Shreveport did get worked against Tulsa on March 7th, but aside from that, they have been competitive. This will be the second time these two teams play each other. Last game they played ended in a one point come back win for Shreveport. I expect Shreveport to take the win in this game again, homefield advantage is going to make
Bay Area Rugby Club at Woodlands Rugby Club
The Woodlands will be hosting Bay Area this weekend. Woodlands are second in Red River Conference South. Bay Area has struggled all season. This is pretty much a one sided match. Look for the Woodlands to take the dominate win in this game.
True South Rugby Union
Hopkinsville Rugby Club (0-5) at Memphis Rugby Club (1-2-1)
Memphis will be hosting Hopkinsville this weekend. Hopkinsville has yet to be in any game they’ve played this season and Memphis is coming off a big loss to Nashville two weeks ago. Memphis will have the homefield advantage in the game, and will be expected to get their second win of the season over Hopkinsville. Expect Memphis to get back on the winning track.
Battleship Rugby Club (1-3) at Montgomery Rugby Club (2-3)
Montgomery is coming of a huge loss to Jackson at home. Battleship received their first win of the season over Jackson back on February 28th. This will be the second time both these teams played their I-65 rivalry match. Last game ended in a 2 point loss for Battleship at home. Montgomery is going to want to take their rage out on Battleship after their loss to Jackson. If Battleship can keep it’s penalties low and maintain it’s discipline, they can take the win over Montgomery. Montgomery is a scrappy team with plenty of new talent and old veterans, but Jackson proved that if you can score fast on them, you can beat them. I expect them to not give this game away though. Look for Battleship to take this game, in a low scoring affair, Montgomery.
Birmingham Rugby Club (3-1) at Jackson Rugby Club (1-4)
Birmingham received their first loss of the season against Baton Rouge on March 7th. Jackson took their first win of the season against Montgomery last week. Jackson looks like it’s been picking up its stride each week, and that culminated into a win over Montgomery. Birmingham licked its wounds when they lost to Baton Rouge, after losing a 17-0 start to the game. Birmingham will once again be losing 3 starters to USA South selections, but don’t consider this to be the same weaken team. They have the homefield advantage in this match up and will not be giving that up. Jackson will be coming into the Birmingham, playing with more confidence than they did the first time, but look for Birmingham to take this game. I expect it to be a much closer game than the first time these two teams played.
Knoxville Rugby Club (2-1) at Nashville Rugby Club (2-2-1)
Nashville will be hosting Knoxville this weekend. Nashville is coming off a nice win over Memphis 53-38. Knoxville was able to finally kick off their spring season with back to back shutout wins over Hopkinsville. Knoxville will be facing a little more increase in competition in Nashville. Nashville has been pretty inconsistent in their efforts. They are tougher than their record acknowledges, but have yet to find their consistency. Knoxville will be one team that will test it. Knoxville has always played Nashville tough, I don’t expect that to change any time soon. Look for Knoxville’s Wayne Chermely to take over this game. Knoxville wins this game over Nashville.