Well we took a highlight-driven view of the last week in men's college rugby here:
Big game this weekend is probably Cal at UCLA.
Cal has started very well so far and already beat UCLA in the Storer Classic. This is a conference game and a full-length game so carries a bit more meaning.
“We’ve certainly been working hard as a team as the season has developed, and I think we’ve prepared well for this weekend’s match against UCLA,” said Cal co-captain Charlie Walsh. “There are a couple aspects of the game that we have been focusing on, and I think with a real intent on those focus areas, we’ll be able to set a good foundation. We’re excited to play and can’t wait to compete.”
Arizona looks to rebound from a loss to Saint Mary's with a visit to top D1AA side U. San Diego.
"This was a great opportunity for us to measure our progress," said Head Coach Sean Duffy of the loss to the Gaels. "You wonder what the game is like if we start better and just be a little bit sharper in our execution. I'm encouraged by not only our fight for 80, but also our impact reserves that came on and played well. We were able to slow the onslaught but it was too little too late. Credit to Saint Mary's they are a well coached side with great athletes and if we take care of business, we may see them again and get another crack at this."
UC Davis logged a pretty impressive win over UCSC and they now are at San Diego State.
"The pack is a little stronger this year," said Head Coach Andy Malpass, who has California Grizzlies select side hooker/No. 8 Mike O’Donnell and USA U20 Matthew Staycer at tighthead prop. "We had a good win in the conference opener against Sac State, a heavy loss to SMC and then a good win over Santa Cruz."
UC Davis runs a smart kicking game, led by flyhalf Hugo McWade, but as a club team with a limited budget, "travel weekends are always tricky; away games are much harder to get results," said Malpass.
Keep an eye on the Florida and California in D1AA, with newish teams American River (California) and St. Thomas (Florida) looking to make an impact.
Stanford just barely got by American River last week.
"This was a very physical game and I am glad we had ARC in their first game as I think once they get more time together, they are going to be really hard to beat," said Stanford DOR Rich Ashfield. "They have a lot of size; it seemed that every time they subbed out a 6-5 350-pounder they brought on a 6-6 360-pounder! We got off to a perfect start with an intercept try which I think helped buoy us. We had a plan to try and move them around as we knew they were a big side."
Flyhalf Thane Breuschke played well for Synford as did center Lucas Cavalieri. No. 8 Kasen Stephensen and lock Connor Mehaffey led on defense. Still, Stanford had to work hard to hold on.
Referring to American River Head Coach Zach Swithenbank, Ashfield said "Zach has a good bunch of players with a lot of talent and I think will definitely surprise a few people this season."
