We're just a couple of weeks into the Pacific Western Conference season and already a major game is on the weekend schedule as UC Davis hosts Chico State.

David has had a weird start to the season, having dismissed Mike Purcell, their Head Coach, in favor of another. Purcell went on to be awarded a Coach of the Year award from USA Rugby, and yet Davis started well, beating Sacramento State 53-7 in the opening weekend. Chico State will be a huge test, however, as CSU has started the season 2-0, allowing just one try in those two games.

"We are definitely very excited for the game this weekend," said UC Davis's Colten Collings. "We had a bye last week, which allowed us to heal up, and now we are coming off of a great week of practice. Chico is a formidable opponent, and we think that this will be one of the toughest games of the season. We are looking to come out early and set the tone and then just try and play our game for the rest of the match."

It's not every week a team plays a defending national champion, said Chico State's Coach, Lucas Bradbury. It's exciting, and a big game, but not necessarily a do-or-die situation, added the coach.

"There's absolutely no pressure on Chico State for this game," said Bradbury. "The game's Davis's to lose. The result of this game, either way, does not determine the final four in April; there's still a way to go in this conference.  The club's very relaxed. We've had a great buildup this week. Some players are out due to injuries, but the boys who have filled in will do the job. We are up for this game, that's for sure."

Happy to chat chat again Sunday if you feel the need.

It's not too early to say this is an important game for both, although, since the conference has a playoff, it may not be everything. At 1-0-1, Stanford is in excellent position to be at or near the top after they face San Jose State.