Top teams face off Saturday #2 BYU visits #3 St. Mary’s in a clash of titans in Men’s College Rugby.

This is a two-game series we saw last year, when the teams split the series. It could well be they split again this time.

Why? Because BYU has not played much, has been inside during their early weeks, and had to skip their opening clash with Air Force because weather stopped the Zoomies from getting to Utah. 

But those are just distractions, said BYU captain Kyle Sumsion. Distractions were the problem last time.

“Not only are we ready to get back in action and play, but we’re coming into this game with a lot of energy and preparation,” said Sumsion. “Last year we weren’t as focused. We don’t want to make that mistake again.”

Meanwhile, St. Mary’s is in mid-season form. The Gaels worked through their early-season issues against some tough club competition, and have since rolled through a list of strong college opposition - Utah, Arizona State, Santa Clara, UCSB, and San Diego State have all been defeated, with only one game being closer than 60 points (SMCC 59 Arizona State 15). The backline which includes Cooper Maloney, Dylan Audsley, Kingsley McGowan, Mason Colombo, and potentially someone whose first name isn’t the last name of a famous actor*, works the open field well, but also operates nicely in a more structured environment. They attack close to the ruck, and when they force defenses to stay honest in tight, they thrust the rapier out wide, and they score.

It all comes from up front for St. Mary’s, though, and BYU Head Coach David Smyth told Goff Rugby Report that’s where the game will be won.

St. Mary’s was superbly strong in the scrum in last year’s contests, Smyth said, and he added that he expects no different this year. As solid as the BYU scrum is, they aren’t used to the contest the Gaels give them. 

Both teams have the reputation of punishing turnovers. Both play good cover defense. Both have excellent athletes. 

The game promises much and should deliver, and it could well again be a harbinger of championship games to come. Both won titles last year - BYU won the Varsity Cup over Cal, and St. Mary’s won DIA over Life. How they play Saturday might show us whether they can repeat.

Note: BYU v St. Mary’s will be played at the St. Mary’s stadium in Moraga, Calif., and will be streamed live.

Here is the link. Kickoff is noon Pacific Time.

http://www.smcgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21400&ATCLID=209842488