It’s been said that bad habits are easier to abandon today, than tomorrow. The UCSD Men’s Rugby team is trying to drop one of their own – second half collapses. Facing off against Long Beach State at UCSD’s Warren Field, the Tritons kept it close in the first half. A Long Beach score right before halftime marred an otherwise solid performance as both teams convened for the midway break. Then, the floodgates opened. In what could be attributed to a faltering of technique, fatigue, or a congregation of different reasons, the wheels fell off for the Tritons. Capable and aware of their potential, the Tritons understood that these second half collapses cannot continue. In a sport that sees offense and defense so intertwined, successes or failures on either side of the ball directly impact those on the other. Therefore, areas of improvement regarding each facet will be crucial, not only just for maintaining offensive possession or forcing turnovers, but for creating a smooth overall attack that stymies opponents. In practice, the Tritons will place focus on various areas of improvement, including but not limited to better defensive alignment, and more specifically, backline kick defense and returns. The Tritons will also seek to eliminate the bevy of self-inflicted wounds that destroyed repeated offensive possessions – in the form of knock-ons, errant passes, and defensive reads. The UCSD Tritons travel to Los Angeles to face Claremont on February 18th.

By: Vishnu Vijayakumar

February 11, 2023

WARREN FIELD