VANCOUVER – There is plenty at stake this weekend for the UBC Thunderbirds returning to home pitch to take on the rival University of Victoria Vikes in the second and final leg of the coveted Wightman Boot trophy chase.
 
Bragging rights will be on the line at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre on Saturday beginning at 2:30 p.m. and it's more than just a must win for the 'Birds, after dropping a tight 24-19 road decision to the Vikes in the first leg of the two-game total point series just two weeks ago in Victoria. The T-Birds will be already clawing from behind as soon as the game kicks off needing to erase the five-point score difference from the opening fixture setback and needing to win by at least six points or more on aggregate to have any hope of reclaiming the boot trophy and hoist it for the 10^th time in the last 11 seasons.
 
The T-Birds are of course focused on redemption after missing the opportunity to hoist the Boot trophy for a 10^th consecutive season in the fall of 2022. The Vikes, were able to wrestle the cup away from UBC's strangle hold over the previous nine years by the slimmest of margins, in securing just a two-point edge in the total points differential over the two-game series.



"The history of the Wightman Boot is rich with the T-Birds dominating in the last 10 years," said UBC first-year head coach Didier Banse, in preparation for Saturday's big rematch. "It's a reminder for us the dedication and hard work those have put in before us. A strong reminder for us that we need to focus on our own jobs, keep building and stay in the moment. The Vikes have their tails up after our last meeting, they will tough and making sure everyone's putting their best foot forward. We are ready for the challenge, bring on Saturday."

There's certainly been some tough road tests for the T-Birds to start the BC Premier League season with room for improvement on their 2-4 record out of the gates. With that the 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby Champions are eager to get back and play on home field for the first time in a month and a half, looking to find that extra gear at the friendly confines of the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre.


 
"Playing at home is always a special one especially with the time on the road we've had," added Banse. "Which makes this return even more significant, having our crowd behind us will motivate us, give us that extra boost we need to get us back on track and hopefully secure that win."
 
The Vikes (4-2) come into Saturday's meeting having won three-straight games and are coming off a 36-7 home victory against Capilano RFC last weekend. Meanwhile the T-Birds will effort to snap a two-game slide that includes a 42-24 loss at UBCOB Ravens last Saturday.