Apr 8- The 2025 D1A playoffs kicked off on Saturday around the country, with 5th-seeded Arizona traveling to San Luis Obispo to take on Cal Poly.

 

The Mustangs, the 4th seed in this year's west bracket looked to be the favorite, coming in on a hot streak with impressive wins over highly-ranked sides. Arizona would need a strong start and got it from their defense, weathering an early Cal Poly attacking sequence to work their way into their opponents' half. A well-worked maul and backs' move off of it would set Wing Nick Morgan loose, with the first-year standout racing in from just over 30 meters out to make it 7-0. Arizona would take advantage of a Cal Poly penalty soon after, mauling in a try that Hooker Cameron Blair would touch down and Matteo Berenger would convert from the corner to make it 14-0 just seven minutes in. The Mustangs would respond, taking advantage of a high tackle and yellow card to work their way into the Wildcats' 22, eventually scoring in the corner to make it 14-7. But Arizona would continue their first-half assault, routinely working their way into the Mustangs' 22 with Jacob Jaffe scoring twice in a quick span after some patient attack. A penalty try would put a cap on a strong first 40 minutes with a 35-5 lead at the break.

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"We've been seeking that sort of half for a while, where we can put it all together, nail the basics, but also play expansively when the opportunity arises. We knew we'd have another half to play, but starting well on the road like that makes it tough on teams" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

 

The Mustangs would start the second half with some momentum, working into the 22 before eventually peekingg through the Wildcat defense from a meter out to make it 35-12. A handling error deep in the Arizona half would give Cal Poly another opportunity that they would seize to make it 35-19 in the 53rd minute. From here, the Wildcats' finishers would take over, led by contributions from Center Brody Johnson, Hooker/Flanker Henry Langrish and Scrumhalf Lucas Smith. The latter would jump on a Cal Poly turnover in the 56th minute and go the remaining 20 meters, scoring his first try of the season to make it 42-19 before a beautifully executed scrum center play would see Mattox King break the line, Saxon Gerstl connect in support, and reserve wing Antonio Gonzalez go the remaining distance to make it 47-19 and punch the Wildcats' ticket to the national quarterfinal.

 

"This was a true team win that the entire program shares in, not just the 23. Getting great contributions from the finishers after a strong first half is huge. But we also have a whole side back at home that helped the 1s prep all week. 24 hour rule, now on to Cal" said Duffy.

 

The Wildcats advance to the top eight for the first time since 2019 and will take on #1 Cal, winners over Colorado State in their first round match this weekend. Kickoff is set for 1 PM PDT at Witter Rugby Field and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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For the Wildcats full schedule, click here.​​​​​​​​​

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Scoring vs Cal Poly

Tries: Jaffe (2), Morgan, DeMassa, Smith, Gonzalez, Pen Try

Conv: Berenger- 5/6

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1st XV vs Cal Poly

​​1- Isaac Morrill

2- Cameron Blair- C

3- Dalton Slaughter

4- Aiden Kemp

5- Jack Bresland

6- Troy Norman

7- Tanner DeMassa

8- Jacob Jaffe

9- Jacob Hall

10- Saxon Gerstl

11- Jake Schumacher

12- Ted Champion

13- Mattox King

14- Nick Morgan

15- Matteo Berenger- VC
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16- Henry Langrish

17- Seamus McCarthy

18- Liam Swanson

19- Sean McNulty

20- Aston Gradwick-Light

21- Lucas Smith

22- Brody Johnson

23- Antonio Gonzalez

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