The BYU rugby team faces the Old Puget Sound for the second time ever in the Dixie Invitational in St. George, Utah.
A BYU rugby player prepares to make a pass during a match against Utah State at South Field (Photo by Universe Photographer)
The Dixie Invitational is hosting the Cougars and the Sound for the second time in two years. The Old Puget Sound is a semi-professional rugby club based out of Seattle. It was founded in 1971 and competes in the Rugby Super League. BYU won the match 19–13 in an close and physical game last year.
'The boys know they are in for a very physical game,' BYU assistant coach Wayne Tarawhiti said. 'This is the toughest game in a really long time and it takes a lot of mental preparation.'
BYU coach David Smyth and the team have prepared the team's defense and has put in a lot of mental preparation, both for the players and the coaches.
'On away games I spend time in my hotel room and I just go over strategy and the things I can do in the game,' Smyth said.
The Old Puget Sound is a talented team that has some players who have played at the international level. They are a physical team that will challenge BYU's spotless record.
'We are looking forward to it,' Smyth said. 'The boys' performance will make this game a success. They need to excel in their areas and learn to perform under pressure.'
The Cougars face the Sound on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.