Undefeated Rugby Team Hosts LSU Friday
JONESBORO — Undefeated and seventh-ranked Arkansas State University will host Louisiana State University in collegiate rugby, Friday, Oct. 7, at Curt Huckaby Field, 501 Red Wolf Trail. Play gets underway at 3 p.m. with the varsity squad, and a game between the two junior varsity teams will start immediately after. Admission is free.
“I have wanted to have a schedule with a balance of home and away games,” said Shaun Potgieter, A-State head coach. “LSU agreed to us hosting them in the fall and we will travel to Baton Rouge in the spring.”
The Red Wolves are coming off an idle weekend after posting victories over Arkansas (55-0) and Lindenwood (51-16). The JV team also owns an 81-0 victory over its counterpart at Lindenwood.
“Having a week off helped us recover from the matches played in the last three weeks,” continued Potgieter. “We have had time to build on our strengths and add a few new dimensions to the game plan with the extra week of preparation. We are going into the game with no knowledge of LSU’s playing ability and style. I believe it is a good thing so we can focus on our own performance and abilities instead of worrying about the opposition.”
He also mentioned that his team has been burdened with a few injuries in the past few weeks and noted that some players may be out for most of the fall while others are absent for just a few weeks. “We still have a solid core of healthy players, especially in key positions,” he added.
The second-year head coach had praise for players Blace Walser, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., and Pedro Alvarez, a junior from Houston, Texas, as well as play off the bench.
“Walser and Alvarez have had a great season thus far with high work rate around the pitch as well as outstanding defensive performances,” Potgieter said. “They are a great combination and their chemistry is building as the season goes on. I expect them to have a major impact on the match on Friday.
“Our bench has been a huge asset this season. They have come into the games with high energy while keeping a top standard of play. Sometimes, they come in and help improve the standard.”
