The Oregon women’s rugby team has depended on speed and ball movement to compete with larger-sized opponents. Following the holidays, however, the Ducks have lost this advantage, having been slowed by a handful of mistakes and rust from winter break. Last Saturday, the Western Oregon Wolves handed the Ducks their first loss of the new year, 15-5 at Riverfront Field in Eugene.
On the pitch, the size and strength advantage went to the Wolves. Despite their disadvantages, the Ducks controled the opening minutes of the game, keeping the ball in Western Oregon’s end of the field.
But with Oregon out of shape and unable to take advantage of their field position, Western Oregon found itself on the board first, leading 5-0.
A Wolves flanker broke three tackles on her way to a try. It is mistakes such as those that Ducks head coach Greg Farrell plans to make a point of emphasis during the week before their tournament at Stanford.
“Every team we play against is usually larger than us, so you have size and strength, versus speed and quickness,” Farrell said. “We were never really out of position with them. We just missed a bunch of tackles. Three people missed tackles, and they got in.”
The second half began similarly to the first. The only difference was that the Ducks cashed in on their momentum with a score from flanker Nikki Steele.
Steele, a senior in her final year on the team, plays the role of trendsetter for teammates following her lead. It’s never hard to find Steele on the field — she leads by playing both vocally and physically.
“I’m a really vocal player,” Steele said. “I feel like if the team sees one person running, then the rest of the girls will want to run. I love setting the pace. It’s a blast.”
If Oregon’s key to victory is limiting mistakes, leaders will have to preach about fundamentals in the time leading up to their tournament.
“We have a big tournament next weekend at Stanford, so we really wanted to dust off the rust from winter break and get back down to basics,” Steele said.
Steele attributes her development as a leader to thet eam’s captains. Together, they shape the culture of the team.
“I try to lead mostly by example,” Steele said. “This is my fourth year playing for the Ducks, and I’m being led by extremely talented captains. Just pushing them helps me push the rest of the team.”
Crystal Parker, one of the team’s captains, is instrumental in assuring that her fellow fullbacks are properly aligned on the field. Off the field, Parker’s leadership is demonstrated by the attitude she expects from herself and her teammates.
“Setting a good example is a big part,” Parker said. “Being at every practice and having a good attitude by staying positive even when things aren’t going too well.”
Oregon will attempt to crowd the field less at Stanford, hoping to correct the mistakes that cost them a game against the Wolves.
“The more spread out you are, the less running back and forth you have to do, and the less tiring it is,” Parker said.
Stamina could be another factor that decides games for the Ducks, as they will play three games on the first day of the tournament.
Oregon was missing three starters during its game against Western Oregon, forcing players to play more minutes in unfamiliar positions. The result: three Ducks were forced to leave the game with injuries, something Farrell said, “wasn’t a coincidence.”
Farrell hopes the confusion from their last game will help players realize what’s expected of them this weekend ­— a team effort.
“You can’t just have one person go out there and constantly play,” Farrell said. “You need to rotate people in. These people needed to see the responsibilities of the position, because nothing makes up for field time.”
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