Clemson/Carolina -- Rivalry rugby

Saturday is a big game for NCAA rugby, but nowhere is the thirst to sip from the winners cup more more intense than in Clemson, S.C.

State rivals Clemson University and the University of South Carolina butt heads in this long-established derby Saturday, March 28 @ 1p.m. In their matrix this is just another match, but for many, this is the most meaningful game of the year.

"The Clemson game is a big one by virtue of all the rivalry between the schools at the NCAA level.," said USC Coach Geoffrey Mason. "Beside that, it is also one of our Division 1 matrix games and part of the standings toward the national final 16. There is a build-up in the sense that the players get more fired up this week at practice and given USC usually loses the basketball and football, there is some sense of retribution"

Add to the rivalry that USC had somewhat of an inferiority complex for several years, but has bucked that trend recently.

"To be honest Clemson has probably had the better rugby program over the last decade. At one point they had won 12 or 13 in a row," Morris said. "However, USC has won the last four, I think, and we want to keep that going."

This is not just a big game on the field. The tension hits the sidelines, too and has boiled over on a couple of occasions previously!

"Yes, when we play at USC we try and get the fan interest up and there is usually a pretty good turnout," Mason said. "Last year we played them on their homecoming with hundreds of their old boy players and very satisfying to beat them. That being said... there have been a few incidents when we play them with some crowd involvement. I just think the passions get high when this game is played."

Look for a win, What do the Gamecocks have to do?

"We need to pick up our backline defense and put them to ground," Mason said. "It will be a hard fought game and they are well coached."

"Also, we will have to control the ball and not get turned over in the rucks. The scores are usually very close between us lately and it will be mistakes that may make the difference. We also need to get over the gain line in attack which has been a problem this year for us."

Photo by Mark Morris

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