LSU just barely got by Texas A&M Saturday to remain undefeated in the Red River Conference in DIA rugby.

LSU exploded for two early tries, both from lock Zach Stratton, to lead 12-0. Then Brennan Falcon burst through for a try and a 19-0 LSU lead. The Tigers controlled territory for much of the first half, and A&M really couldn’t get much going despite some physical defense. Prop Christian Brower finally punched through for one more try for LSU in the first half, and the blowout seemed to be on.

But the Aggies started to figure things out and stymied the Tigers on defense while getting some scoring opportunities of their own. Frustrated to play some defense, LSU starting committing penalties, and A&M scoffed three quick unconverted tries at the end of the first half to make it 24-15. 

LSU at that point had two players in the sin bin, and A&M made them pay, with Ross Navarro scoring to make it 24-20 early in the second half.

The game became a bit of a street fight after that, as neither team was able to pull away. About midway through the second half LSU’s Aidan Elias was given some space on the wing thanks to some good ball-handling from his his teammates, and Elias put on the pace and skirted around the corner to make it 29-20. A&M replied, working the hands out to Gilberto Arpero to score in the corner - 29-25. 

Alex Miller’s penalty goal nudged LSU further ahead 32-25, but there was still more than ten minutes to go.

A&M used their forwards to pound on the LSU line, and eventually they send prop Javier Davila-Lopez over in the corner. The conversion to tie it was wide, however, and somehow LSU held on.

“We know A&M is a tough team and we can’t take anything for granted,” Brower said before the game. “But we’ve got a really good team chemistry.”

That chemistry was put to the test as LSU saw their lead fade away. Still, the Tigers held on and now sit 5-0 in the Red River Conference.

The full game can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-srACe21tc