UCLA v Utah in Key PAC Clash

Who can challenge Cal in the PAC Rugby Conference? 

While the Bears host the UBC Thunderbirds in the first of their annual two-game series, and most of the rest of the conference are taking a break, UCLA hosts Utah in a game that could go a long way to deciding who is the challenger to mighty (and they do seem to be mighty this year) Cal.

(Oregon State isn't taking much of a break, as they host University in Washington in a game of two Pac-12 teams - UW isn't in the PAC Conference, but maybe someday? Arizona hosts Colorado State.)

UCLA has an excellent backline, with captain and scrumhalf Grant Penney the emotional as well as official leader. They have a strong overseas influence, with Ben Francis, Seb Sharpe, and UK-educated Cian and Niall Barry part of a skilled and experienced threequarter group.

But they can tussle with you up front, as well. Big All American lock Pierre Courpon, who scored three tries against Oregon State last week, may be the most high-profile example, but the Bruins have a lot of tough, young forwards.

All of this bodes ill for Utah, which is still getting back to the lofty heights of a few years ago. The Utes don’t have a lot of depth, but they have their own longtime emotional leader in Danny Christensen, back from injury and a spark plug at flyhalf. Tonata Lauti is their other veteran presence in the backline, and his ability to create attacking opportunities out of nothing shouldn’t be underestimated.

Up front, Spencer Vickery is a powerful presence at prop. 

Utah will need to play as a unit in the pack to beat UCLA, but in the backs, anything can happen. BY tradition, Utah is a bit more physical, and UCLA more organized. Both teams, though, are young.

In light of Arizona’s big loss to Cal, UCLA and Utah are now two of the teams thinking about toppling the Bears (Arizona State would be the other). We find out whether that’s a dream for one of them this weekend.

Latest PAC Conference Standings