Second-Half Woes Result in Anthem RC Defeat at Utah Warriors

Anthem RC led at halftime but failed to score in the second half

HERRIMAN, Utah (April 5, 2024) – Anthem Rugby Carolina led at halftime for the second consecutive match but fell in the end to the Utah Warriors, 44-19, on Friday night at Zions Bank Stadium. Anthem RC is on the road again on Sunday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) against the Chicago Hounds. The match can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Warriors took an early lead in the third minute, but the hosts missed the conversion kick following the try due to high winds in the stadium. The wind continued to be a factor in the match, affecting passing at times.

A set of skillful moves by Te Rangatira Waitokia drew multiple Utah players, allowing Shane Barry to get open, receive a pass and reach the try zone. The wind was behind Oscar Koller’s back as he scored the conversion kick, giving Anthem RC the lead in the 13th minute.

In the 17th minute, a yellow card given to James Rivers forced Anthem RC to play down a man for the next 10 minutes. Utah scored another try in the 18th minute to retake the lead, 10-7.

Utah’s lead did not last long as a wide-open David Still III scored a try off a pass from Waitokia. Anthem RC led 12-10 halfway through the first half.

Another try for Utah was scored in the 26th minute after a Warriors player jumped on a loose ball in the try zone. It was the Warriors’ third unconverted try, making it only a three point deficit for Anthem RC. 

Waitokia added a third try assist on the night with a pass to Junior Gafa to give Anthem RC another lead. Koller’s kick was converted for a 19-15 advantage in the 38th minute going into the half.

After frequent scoring in the first half, it took 12 minutes for either team to score in the second half. Utah scored its fourth try of the match, but the Warriors missed its fourth conversion kick even with the wind in their favor. 

The hosts had a try taken off the board due to a penalty in the 58th minute after a TMO review, keeping it a one-point game until the 61st minute when Utah added another try. A fifth unconverted kick kept it a one-score difference. 

The Warriors scored three tries in the final 10 minutes to widen the margin significantly.

NOTABLES

• Joe Apikotoa made his first appearance and start for Anthem Rugby Carolina.
• David Still III and Junior Gafa scored their second tries in as many matches.
• Anthem RC led at halftime for the second-straight match.
• The teams traded tries back and forth four times in the first half.
• Sean Yacoubian made his debut for Anthem Rugby Carolina.
• Anthem RC was held up in the try zone three times.

QUOTES
Head Coach Alama Ieremia

On being held up in the try zone
“We can look at our finishing of those opportunities, but we did well to create them. We will look at the film as to how we can finish those chances.”

On the tries allowed at the end of the match
“We gave the ball away too much in the second half. We didn’t have much possession to build any momentum. Without a stable platform, it proved difficult to construct any momentum.”

On the lack of offense in the second half
“I can’t fault the effort of the players. We just need to keep learning that if you want to be competitive in this league, you need to have the basics sorted in both halves, not just the first half.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Anthem Rugby Carolina travels to face the Chicago Hounds on Sunday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.