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The final Friday Night Rugby match of the season features rugby’s version of the ‘Holy War’ between Boston College and Notre Dame, featuring some of the strongest clubs across Division I and Division I-AA. The Fighting Irish (6-2) are ranked No. 10 in the DI Coaches Poll, and the Eagles (7-0) swept the Liberty Conference to win their first championship in program history, defeating Binghamton 47-12 in the league final.
Despite having such a young team, with eight freshmen in the matchday 23, Boston College coach Rob Conway could not be happier with the Eagles’ performance. “The team got better every single week,” he said.
The Fighting Irish also enjoyed a successful season, finishing third in the Big Ten. It was their first campaign in one of the most competitive conferences in the country, ending with a loss to in-state rival Indiana, 22-8, in the semifinals. The Hoosiers snapped a six-game Notre Dame winning streak, but the Irish bounced back to beat Illinois, 24-12, to claim third place.
Inside center and club president Fergus O’Hoisin has led from the front this year, encouraging teammates to take game preparation seriously. His ball-playing ability and great tackling have also been relied on heavily. Lock Leo Henkels has been a leader in the pack and helped Boston College ascend in scrums and lineouts. Chris Siegert, hooker and one of BC’s leading try scorers, runs good lines with a hard nose.
Notre Dame will look to No. 8 Patrick Mckenzie to lead the pack, as his strong line running and huge hits will be needed. Flanker Jack Wilson will also be relied on for his intense work rate and great defensive abilities around the breakdown. Inside center Kyle Elliot has been a key player for the Fighting Irish this season, and his ability to squeeze through holes and create line breaks will be a factor.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm EST Friday in South Bend, Indiana, with temperatures forecasted to be hovering around 26 degrees with 16 mile-and-hour winds and a 40 percent chance of snow. So conditions could definitely play a factor.
