VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds (15-0) will host the California Golden Bears (11-1) at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the 2016 World 'News' Cup decider. UBC heads into the second leg of the annual home-and-home series with a five-point advantage, having downed Cal 20-15 at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley, Calif., on February 6. 
  
UBC will be looking to lift their third straight World Cup, a storied trophy named after the former Vancouver World Newspaper. Although UBC won overall by aggregate scoring last year, the thrilling series was split as UBC defeated the Bears at Witter Rugby Field, before dropping the home-leg 23-21 at Thunderbird Stadium. The return leg went down to the wire as an 80th-minute penalty - a call for obstruction off a kickoff - saw Cal convert a crucial three points to snatch the game at the death. 
 
Traveling to California and then hosting elite university competition drives this storied rivalry, with both Cal and UBC renowned for their quality of national team and rep level caliber athletes. The match serves as an opportunity to measure themselves against similar opposition, with both sides featuring powerful back lines and dominant forward packs. Their current records combined in 15s play are 26-1, with Cal's only loss coming at the hands of UBC. The Bears have since rallied with a 6-0 run, including their most recent 27-14 victory over state rivals St. Mary's. 
 
"Cal are well drilled and able to hold our scrum which has been one of the more dominant in the [BC] Premiership," said UBC forwards coach Curry Hitchborn. "Our pack is always looking for a new test and Cal will be it." 
 
With a well balanced team known for its structured attack, UBC head coach Rameses Langston is anticipating another bruising encounter. 
 
"We know they're a well coached team that sticks to the game plan," added Langston. "We have a lot of respect for their program and know we will have to get going early to be competitive." 
 
A number of UBC graduating players will be looking to set the tone early as they face Cal for the final time in their young careers. The veteran leadership of captain and UBC stalwart Charlie Thorpe (North Vancouver) will be relied on heavily this weekend, as will the experience of fifth year players Alex Mascott (Langley, B.C.), Michael O'Toole (Delta, B.C.) and Brock Staller (Vancouver). Staller is fresh off his first Canadian national team caps in the Americas Rugby Championship and will no doubt look to carry his form into Sunday's clash. 
 
"The great thing about this squad is they are able to get up for every game," Langston added. "They have done that all season and it keeps us competitive each week." 
 
Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium and entry is by donation. 
 
Check back to www.ubcrugby.com for the match-day rosters.