The University of Utah handed the University of Arizona a startling loss in PAC Rugby Conference play, defeating the Wildcats 53-3.

Arizona was looking solid in the conference, standing at 3-1 in conference games that include USC, and 2-1 in conference standings that count. Utah had been up and down, and with one of their wins being a forfeit against Arizona State, it was never really clear how good they were. On Saturday we found out. Arizona did not handle the rain well, and Utah simplified their game plan and pummeled the Wildcats.

Tim Haslam photos.

Arizona tried to make their tackles but not contest the rucks, but that can make you vulnerable to a vertical attack, and Utah adjusted nicely.

"I was impressed with our decision-making," said Utah Coach Jon Law, "especially as it pertained to restraint. Several times I noticed our ballcarriers looking to offload, but pulling the ball back in conditions that didn't suit that style of rugby. This led to better continuity and forced Arizona to play a lot of defense and make a lot of front-on tackles."

Law said Forwards Coach Rob Randall should take the credit for getting the Utah pack, and the Utah defense, ready for a dynamic Arizona team.

Chad Gough continued his superb run of form and scored two tries. No. 8 Gabe Ruddlin also scored two tries, as did lock Ben Jones. Als on the scoresheet were prop Tevita Malafu and flanker Levi Hunt. Wing Rob Muhlestein was the only Utah back to score a try. 

 The result of this game is that Utah will get an automatic spot in the DIA playoffs. Arizona can still make the DIA playoffs, but will have to be among the top 12 ranked teams that are participating.

Final PAC Conference Standings (game v USC were B-side games and are not counted in official standings. Had those games, including a Utah B-side loss to USC, been included, the standings wouldn't change, and Utah would still be 2nd).