The Salt Lake Valley Rhinos are now ranked #13 in the Goff Rugby Report HS Club rankings, and they have nothing to thank but their results.

The Rhinos competed well in the Ra Puriri Tournament, and after a loss to Herriman defeated Provo and (!) United to get the rankings recognition.

This is a club that doesn't get the same notice as the liked of United or Herriman or Genesis or West Valley. But they are slowly working their way into prominence with a tough, physical team with athletic talent.

Boys 2021 HS Club Rankings Week 5

"United is a great club and we knew going into this match we had to stay disciplined and structured," said Coach Tom Filipe. "Our forward pack played really well and executed the little things that go a long way in a rugby match."

With solid work in the scrums and the rucks, and playing in the right parts of the field, the Rhinos have found that good things happen when they control the flow of a game.

Flanker Floyd Nau and prop JJ Hamilton were standouts in the forwards and kept the attack going smoothly—taking those quick passes and turning them into go-forward. Center Joe Alusa broke the line numerous times, and it was his running that helps put the Rhinos in the right part of the field. Defensively Alusa made several key tackles and was also useful over the ball, stealing possession when he could.

Winger Elijah Quincy made all but one of his conversion attempts, and also added a penalty kick.

But Filipe said this wasn't exactly a perfect game, and the SLV Rhinos have more to give, pointing to two turnovers near their tryline that led to United tries.

"We need to shore up the small mistakes and continue to trust in the system and structure on both ends of the ball," said Filipe.