Playoff Field Begins to Take Shape in Intrasquads Round 4

Intrasquads Round 4 featured a spate of blowouts; only one game was decided by less than 25 points. While it resulted in less exciting rugby, it did provide clarity on which teams are legit contenders for the title. In addition to all our usual content, we’ve added an additional section on the playoff picture.

Tournament Standings

Playoff Format

We’ve received questions in recent weeks about the playoff format of the tournament. Here’s how it works:

After five rounds of regular season play, the top four teams–as determined by standings points–advance to the playoff round. (If two teams are tied in the standings, the tiebreaker is point differential.) In the semifinals, the top team plays the fourth-place team, and the second best team plays the third best. The playoff round ends with a fifth place game for the non-playoff teams, a third place game for the losers in the semifinals, and a championship game for the winners in the semifinals.

We have one round left before the tournament playoffs, meaning each team has two games left to play in the regular season. Dudes and Sues have already clinched playoff spots, and Dudes can clinch the top seed by winning either of its Round 5 games. Jones is also almost a lock to make the playoffs. Ross has already been eliminated. Ultimately, the fight for the final playoff spot is between Canham and Benny, who are currently tied in the standings. Luckily for us, Canham and Benny play each other in the second game of Round 5.

Points Leaders

Jordan Perez continued to dominate for Dudes this week, adding four tries and a flurry of conversions to his total. The biggest riser was a new guy: Brett Silber joined Michigan Rugby in January and broke out in Round 4, making it to the try zone seven times for Sues.

Play of the Week

The Round 4 Play of the Week goes to Brandon Walter. In the 13th minute of a close game against Benny, Dudes’ prop kicked a loose ball 20 yards into the try zone, and then outraced Nate Dvorak to the ball, tapping it down. It was the game winning try.

Power Rankings

Finally, check out our weekly power rankings below. Remember, these rankings don’t necessarily reflect the tournament standings, and are based on the opinions of this committee.

1. Dudes

Round 4: Win vs. Benny (24-20), Win vs. Jones (29-0)

Dudes had another great week, finishing 2-0. The team started off Round 4 with a nail-biter against Benny. The contest exposed Dudes’ lack of depth (primarily due to injuries), but also showcased the team’s continued resilience. The team rebounded in its second game, as Jordan Perez put up four tries. On defense, possession after possession, Dudes were able to come up with turnovers and limit Jones’ offensive push. They’ll have to lose a game before we even consider moving them from the top spot in our rankings.

2. Sues

Round 4: Win vs. Ross (35-0), Win vs. Benny (32-5)

Sues looked godly in Round 4, albeit against two weak teams. At the beginning of the tournament we expressed concerns about Sues’ defense, but they dominated this week, giving up a total of 5 (!) points. Now that Sues also has the best point differential in the field (+127), the team is making a strong case to be ranked #1.

3. Jones

Round 4: Win vs. Canham (32-0), Loss vs. Dudes (0-29)

Jones came into this week hot off of Round 3’s two wins and ready to contend for first place in the power rankings. They were on point in their first game, keeping Canham’s offensive weapons Bryan Flowers and Bryce Watson scoreless while also putting up 32 points thanks to tries by Devan Gupta, Caesar Orozco, Jake Bodner, Sari Muallem, and Davis Grimm. What comes around goes around, however, as they were shut out in a 29-0 loss to Dudes in game two. That loss crushed all of Jones’ momentum, but they still look like a lock to make the playoffs.

4. Benny

Round 4: Loss vs. Dudes (20-24), Loss vs. Sues (5-32)

Benny faced stiff matchups this week against Dudes and Sues. Despite dropping both games, the Bennies’ performance wasn’t all bad. They kept the game close against league frontrunner Dudes, only losing by one try. However, they couldn’t keep up the pace against Sues. Inconsistency has kept this team in the mid tier of both the standings and power rankings. Will they be able to make a breakthrough similar to what Jones did in Round 3?

5. Canham

Round 4: Loss vs. Jones (0-32), Win vs. Ross (47-22)

This round was a redemption round for Canham, as they faced two teams who both barely beat them in rounds 1 and 2. They had a rough start to the day, getting shut out by Jones in a big loss, but came back later to demolish Ross. Canham is slowly getting back to full strength. Tanner Visco returned in Round 4, and Henry Silverman hopes to return for Canham’s critical Round 5 matchup against Benny. Still, this team’s chances at making the playoffs are dwindling.

6. Ross

Round 3: Loss vs. Sues (0-35), Loss vs. Canham (22-47)

Ross came into this week with a lot left to prove–and proved nothing. You’ll get ’em next time Ross! 

Intrasquads Committee member and Ross team member Grant Sasina has a special note to Ross alumni: This season is a dark time for Ross, but fear not, the future is bright. We are loaded with inexperienced players and have caught the injury bug. This is a rebuilding year but next year…different story.