On the one hand the Collegiate Rugby Championship qualifier pools at the LVI offer a chance for teams to go head to head that might not outside of the CRC itself of the College 7s National Championships. If it comes down to one of Utah, Lindenwood, Dartmouth, or Arkansas State taking on one another in the final that is going to be exciting. However, on the other hand it's not as strong of a competition as in year's past and the presence of teams already in the CRC could cast a shadow over the whole tournament when all is said and done.
Having the tournament set at 24 teams over six pools is only going to add to the excitement and the controversy. All six pool winners will advance to the Cup quarterfinals while the top two second place teams will grab the last two spots. Depending on how things shake out it looks like anywhere from two to four of the quarterfinal spots could be claimed by teams already qualified for the tournament.
Take the jump to read more.
The one team that has already qualified for the CRC and could cause the most commotion is Dartmouth. They are in Pool C with Air Force, Georgetown, and Pittsburgh. The Zoomies have the most to complain about. If it weren't for Dartmouth in the pool, who have to be considered favorites, they would be the clear favorite. Now, they may be shut out of one of the top two second place spots if they aren't able to keep it close against Dartmouth.
You can't really blame Dartmouth or any of the already qualified teams from wanting to play. It's still snowy where they are and they need to get in good competition. However, if you are a team like Air Force, or possibly a team that gets matched up with Dartmouth or Kutztown, another qualified team, in the quarterfinals and then lose you are probably going to be upset, and rightfully so.
By and large most of the pools are straightforward. Lindenwood should be the top team in Pool D. Bowling Green and Notre Dame College could surprise and pull off an upset. The same goes for Miami (OH) in Pool B with Kutztown, Columbia, and Buffalo.
Arkansas State should have no trouble in Pool F. Notre Dame on paper looks like the second best team in the pool but Stony Brook have had a strong couple of seasons. If Notre Dame makes it to the quarterfinals as one of the top two second place teams it's possible that could mean three of the eight spots are already qualified teams.
It could even be four of eight if St. Joseph's wins what looks like a relatively shallow Pool A. James Madison is the only other team with a strong pedigree and if both Creighton and Lewis & Clark struggle it could end up that both teams make the quarterfinals.
Lastly in Pool E, Utah and AIC will both fancy their chances of not only winning the pool but also the tournament. They both have great athletes and experience. Wheeling Jesuit could be a surprise team, especially if you take their top seven players.
Pool play begins on Thursday with knock out play on Friday. The Cup semi-finals, third place, and final, which will be in the stadium, will be held on Saturday.
Pool A: St. Joseph's, James Madison, Creighton, Lewis & Clark
Pool B: Kutztown, Miami (OH), Columbia, Buffalo
Pool C: Air Force, Georgetown, Dartmouth, Pittsburgh
Pool D: Lindenwood, Bowling Green, Notre Dame College
Pool E: Utah, AIC, Claremont, Wheeling Jesuit
Pool F: Arkansas State, Stony Brook, Notre Dame, Wittenbugh
Our LVI coverage is in partnership with Real-time Sports. Make sure you get the app to get real-time scores from the Vegas.
