VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team are back to their CDI Premier Rugby and 15s format after hoisting their third-straight Canadian University National Sevens Cup last weekend, Mar. 7. This weekend, Mar. 14, the Vikes will travel to the mainland to take on the Vancouver Rowing Club as both teams will be closing in a few extra wins to earn play-off hosting rights.

CDI PREMIER STANDINGS

Last November, both teams squared off at Wallace Field in a game that was back and forth as the lead was exchanged nine times. In the last two minutes of the match, the Rowers made a desperate push to score and were rewarded with a Duncan James try, successfully converted by Henry Recinos to tie the game at 36 all.

Fourth-year Vike Luke McCloskey tallied two tries that day, and UVic also saw one try each from Macbryan Bos, Doug Fraser and Nathan Stewart. Fly half Guiseppe duToit secured the converts and penalties in the Nov. 22 tie.

"The Rowers are not conservative in any way and will take their opportunities when they can," said Doug Tate, Vikes men's rugby head coach. "They've got speed and will attack straight for the D-lines."

This weekend the Vikes will be without McCloskey, who is recovering from a minor injury after earning UVic's first try in the national rugby 7s final against UBC. The trio of duToit, Oliver Nott and Luke Bradley will also be absent due to Under 20 Team Canada commitments.

The Vikes will, however, benefit from the return of fifth-year veteran Remi Anctil, who was away with practicum commitments last weekend.

Currently, the Rowers are sixth in the CDI Premier Table with 18 points. Denis Barnett and James are the top try scorers for the Vancouver Rowing Club, while Recinos leads in converts and penalties (13 C, 7 PK).

Kick off is set for 2.45 p.m. at Stanley Park, with live broadcast of the game available on delayed webcast at 7.30 p.m. at bcrugby.com/live.