Western Washington University and the University of Washington will meet next week to decide who represents the Northwest Collegiate Rugby Conference in the national DIAA playoffs.

Washington performed as expected, beating Washington State 35-5 with a concerted attack and stingy defense that didn’t give up any points until the closing moments. WWU, however, did pull off something of a surprise. Playing an Oregon team they had beaten 18-15 earlier in the season, the Vikings unloaded on the Ducks 43-17.

It was a physical match, but WWU, despite losing some starters before the playoffs, were superior defensively and in the set piece. The WWU lineout stole as many as five Oregon throw-ins, and with Nathan Muir leading the charge they were powerful in the midfield.

WWU led 17-0 at halftime and didn’t look back. Centers Muir and Nick Bonovich both scored two tries.

“Our defense was very good,” said WWU Coach Paul Horne. “They couldn’t really get their centers going, and we were good in the lineout. Our forwards played really well together, and our guys just did a really good job of running the pattern.”

The only worry perhaps for the Vikings was the penalty count, which continues to go against them. Horne said his team needs to learn how to listen to the ref. 

This sets up the final next week, a rematch of the January 31 clash in Seattle where UW won 10-0. That was a defensive battle and this game promises to be one, as well, as WWU didn’t really start giving up tries until they rang the changes up 33-7.

UW and WWU combined for 78 points on Saturday, but it’s possible the two will combine to score less than half that net week.