A Sprite commercial from the 1990s grew popular behind one of its catch phrases, “Excuse me, what’s my motivation?”
Members of the Utah rugby team might be scratching their heads and asking the same question when looking ahead to tomorrow’s 1 p.m. matchup with Utah State.
After all, Utah (13-4) has already wrapped up the No. 3 seed for next week’s USA Rugby/National Guard Round of 16 playoffs in Albuquerque, N.M.
The Scrummin’ Utes learned Sunday they will be playing No. 6 Colorado in the opening round next Friday after the Buffaloes upset No. 3 Air Force, 23-20.
A win or loss Saturday changes nothing in the seeding, and Utah plans to rest its ailing starters against the lowly Aggies, who were blanked, 62-0, by BYU on March 28.
Still, Utah head coach Dave Anderson is fully confident his club won’t skirt at the competition.
“I don’t think they’ll overlook Saturday’s game,” Anderson said. “This game will be a good opportunity to take a look at some of our other players who haven’t had a chance to play a lot this year.”
Among others, Anderson said he would take a look at flankers Mike Kimball and Mike Rice, who could fill in at hooker after All-American starter Cam Kiser suffered a broken leg last week.
“I don’t think we’ll play many of our starters (tomorrow),” Anderson said. “It seems like we have a new injury every week, but I think it’s giving some inspiration for the rest of our guys to play that much harder to win.”
The recently opened spots and extra playing time are also forcing some healthy competition.
“I think these other guys getting a chance to play will be a source of motivation for us,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, they’ll see this opportunity as a chance to get into the rotation and be able to contribute to the team next year.”
Maintaining the elite level of play year-in and year-out for the Utes — who are ranked No. 5 — is a top priority for Anderson. Giving the rest of his club a chance to develop game-time experience could prove invaluable down the road.
With the number of injuries this season, Anderson also conceded there might be plenty of chances for little-used players to contribute this year.
“We’re hoping we can get some of (our starters) back,” Anderson said. “But with what the doctors are saying, we probably won’t see them again (before the playoffs).”
After practicing Tuesday and Thursday, the club is taking today off to prepare for Saturday’s game, which is set to be held at Fort Douglas Stillwell Field.