The Matchup

 
It's a must win game for the UBC Thunderbirds (1-2) on Friday, October 13 when they take on the Calgary Dinos (2-0) at 4pm at the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.
 
A loss for the 'Birds would all but sink their Canada West playoff hopes. In the 2016 match against Calgary the 'Birds fell into a hole early before picking up their pace in the second half, but ultimately lost the game 36-10.


 
UBC has showed flashes this season of being a strong side, but need to put together a full 80 minutes if they hope to blemish the unbeaten record of the Dinos.
 

Last Action

 
UBC fell behind 34-10 to the Lethbridge Proghorns, before scoring two tries in the furious final minutes of the match. It was too little, too late for the 'Birds, as they dropped the match 34-22, but the surge showed their offensive firepower when they play with a sense of urgency.
 
The Dinos have had two weeks to prepare for the 'Birds, after a 34-26 home victory over their provincial rivals, the Alberta Pandas.
 

By the Numbers

 
4 – in Canada West, four tries scored in a match earns the team a bonus point in the overall standings. With the 'Birds battling for their playoff lives, a single point could be the difference between playing in the Canada West Final Four next weekend and not.
 
6 - the numbers off tries scored by Calgary's DaLeaka Menin. The 'Birds will have to defend the senior prop closely.
 

Players To Watch

 
Mackenzie Carson – the second-year captain of the 'Birds needs to have the best game of her young career and help the Thunderbirds get over the proverbial hump by beating a tough opponent.


 
Brooke Bazian – if the game versus Calgary is close, a couple extra points from the foot of the second-year fullback could be imperative to a good outcome for UBC.