PREVIEW: Gaels Set for Semifinal Contest Against Cal

Moraga, California — On Saturday, the Saint Mary's Gaels (13-1-0) will face the Cal Golden Bears (11-0-0) in a National Semifinal at Witter Rugby Field. The winner of this match will punch their ticket to the National Championship in Indianapolis, where they will face the winner of Navy vs. Life.

This battle showcases the most legendary collegiate rugby rivalry. The two programs have a long history of physical, high stakes battles on the national stage. With a championship berth on the line, Saturday's clash adds another chapter to the already intense series. 

The last time these two teams met, the Bears got the best of the Gaels with a 66-35 result at the Saint Mary's Stadium, sealing Saint Mary's as the #2 seed in the west region. The match featured a back and forth first half, with both sides trading ties and momentum into the break. However, a costly second half error swung momentum in favor of the Bears, allowing them to take control and pull away, putting the game out of reach for Saint Mary's.

These sides meet frequently in the playoffs, with matchups producing tightly contested results.

Here are the last four playoff meetings between Saint Mary's and Cal:

• 2025: Cal 38-27
• 2024: Saint Mary's 34-16
• 2023: Cal 29-28 
• 2022: Saint Mary's 35-26 

The Golden Bears have not been met with much resistance in the postseason so far, with a combined score of 184-17 in the two playoff matches they have won, with a notable 96-12 win over 4 seeded BYU. The Gaels, however, present a different challenge, entering this matchup with a mindset shaped by resilience and team chemistry rather than dominance on paper.

Saint Mary's Head Coach Tim O'Brien stresses the importance of the Gaels starting strong in this match. 

"It's massively important. If we can receive a kickoff, that would be nice, or kick long and put pressure on them and turn them over."

O'Brien also pointed to the identity of his team as a defining factor in their success this season.

"There's a lot of love and there's a lot of camaraderie, and it's legit," he said. "A big part of why I coach here is because of the people, because of the guys."

With a lot on the line, the Gaels will look to lean on that unity and resilience as they aim to slow down a dominant Golden Bears side and earn a spot in the National Championship

Kickoff is set for 1 PM.