VICTORIA, B.C. – After three CDI Premier matches on the road, the University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team will be returning to their home field this Saturday, Mar. 28, to host Capilano RFC. This game will be crucial in deciding who will gain home field advantage for the first round of the playoff season.
 
CDI PREMIER STANDINGS
 
The Vikes will have flanker Jeff Nishma-Miller and captain Remi Anctil back on the roster for this Saturday, after mustering a 24-24 tie with the Castaway Wanderers in Windsor Park on Mar. 14. Crosby Stewart, Connor Liewellyn and Casey Cavers were the try scorers that day while Fergus Hall made the successful converts and one penalty kick.
 
"The Capilanos are a relentless team who play the entire game and won't stop for anyone," said Rick Farrally, Vikes men's rugby assistant coach, about the upcoming matchup. "I expect it to be a tough game for us, but we have Remi and Jeff to make for a strong defence this weekend."
 
Currently, the Vikes sit in first place in the CDI Premier Table with 43 points and an 8-2-2 record, while the Capilanos are third with 38 points (8-4). UBC are in second place, three points behind the Vikes, while James Bay Athletics Association are in fourth place with 35 points. Tension is high among the Top-4 CDI Premier teams who will be competing to earn the highest seed at the end of regular season play.
 
The Capilanos boast Chris Robinson who leads the team with 82 points (17 C, 11PK) as well as former Vike Nathan Yanagiya. Glenn McKinnon tallied six tries in 10 games played and is the second highest scorer for the Capilanos with 30 points.
 
"The Capilano head coach (Tom Larisch) is also a former Vike who likes to secure his wins," added Farrally. "They won't be easy on us."
 
The Vikes and Capilanos last played each other on Nov. 8 in Vancouver, where UVic surged through the second half to come away with the 21-15 win. Prop Macbryan Bos and Lucas Hammond were the try scorers that day while Guiseppe duToit secured the converts. Vikes duToit, Oliver Nott and Luke Bradley are still away on Team Canada U20 commitments.
 
Teams kick off at Wallace Field on Mar. 28 at 2.30 p.m. This will be the last regular season home game for the Vikes before playoff season.