May 23, 2007
BERKELEY -
Head coach Jack Clark announced the University of California's selections for its 2007 All-Foe Rugby Team today, recognizing individuals who distinguished themselves in competition against the Golden Bears this year.
"It's kind of a throwback idea to name an All-Foe team," said Clark, "but we are doing so to honor these players and coaches for their outstanding performances against us."
The list features multiple selections from championship opponent Brigham Young University together with Saint Mary's College, University of British Columbia and 2006 Rugby Super League champion OMBAC.
"We played some very good rugby teams this season and we wanted to extend our respect to these opponents," Clark said.
2007 All-Foe Rugby Team
(by position)
1. Morris Havea, loosehead prop, BYU -- "Good primary-phase prop with an active work rate around the field."
2. Luke Dineley, hooker, UBC -- "Pound-for-pound a very effective scrummager and highly accurate lineout thrower."
3. Steven Schmitt, tighthead prop, Navy -- "An immovable object."
4. (tie) Latu Paloka, lock, OMBAC -- "Old-style power lock, with skills."
Jake Stanfill, lock, OMBAC - "Long body type, ball-winner."
5. Craig Clark, lock, BYU -- "Good aerial skills, an all-around mobile and skilled player."
6. Josh Merliner, flanker, St. Mary's -- "Tough back-rower willing to do all the dirty work."
7. Todd Clever, flanker, OMBAC -- "All-around excellent player with great range."
8. Fraser Levasa, No. 8, New Mexico -- "Quick from the base of the scrum, a hard charger."
9. Matt Leatherby, scrumhalf, St. Mary's -- "Live wire in attack and a very good defender."
10. Eric Wilson, flyhalf, UBC -- "Points-kicking machine who directs traffic in attack."
12. Volney Rouse, inside center, St. Marys -- "Elusive runner with a sidestep off either foot."
13. Kevin Swiryn, outside center, St. Mary's -- "Slasher, knows where the gaps are."
11. Jeff Hullinger, wing, OMBAC -- "Opportunistic, dangerous try scorer."
14. Vito QaQa, wing, BYU -- "A finisher."
15. John Weedon, fullback, UBC -- "Smart, skilled player."
Coaches (tie):
Bing Dawson, OMBAC -- Dealt California its only defeat in 2007.
Mike Flanagan, Navy -- Coached Midshipmen to highest point total against Golden Bears in 2007.
