Another Puzzling Management Decision

USA Rugby decides to put all 48 collegiate teams in one location and play it at a balloon park big enough to run 8 fields at one time. So, we’ll get to watch a lot of rugby while we’re in New Mexico, right? Well, here’s the schedule…

Friday, April 18
1:30 pm: NRU #2 (Dartmouth) v Pac Coast #2 (BYU)
1:30 pm: So Cal #1 (San Diego State) v South #1 (Arkansas State)
2:00 pm: Pac Coast #3 (Utah) v West #2 (Air Force)
2:00 pm: Midwest #1 (BGSU) v MARFU #2 (Kutztown)
2:30 pm: Pac Coast #1 (Cal) v South #2 (Tennessee)
2:30 pm: NRU#1 (Army) v So Cal #2 (Cal Poly)
3:00 pm: MARFU #1 (Penn State) v Midwest #2 (Univ of Minnesota)
3:00 pm: West #1 (Colorado) v Pac Coast #4 (St. Mary’s)

Saturday, April 19
1:30 pm: Pool B Championship qualifier match
1:30 pm: Pool B Consolation match
2:00 pm: Pool D Championship qualifier match
2:00 pm: Pool D Consolation match
3:00 pm: Pool A Championship qualifier match
3:00 pm: Pool A Consolation match
3:30 pm: Pool C Championship qualifier match
3:30 pm: Pool C Consolation match

What reasoning could have possibly been used to schedule all the matches at basically the same time each day? There’s absolutely no way for any division 1 team to watch another division 1 team play since we’ll be consumed with either preparing, playing or debriefing our own teams. Is there a concern that one team will complain because their day 2 opponent got more rest? That’s never been of particular concern in prior year events so I can’t image that was a determining factor. Over the years, one of the added highlights of the national tournament trip has always been the ability to watch other teams play. We’ve actually made connects with future opponents at the national event.

Why couldn't these matches simply be lined up and timed so that teams could watch other teams play? Another perplexing decision from USA Rugby…