Saint Mary’s learned some valuable lessons in its win over Cal Poly a few weeks ago and will likely put them to the test when the top-seeded Gaels host the No. 16 seed Mustangs in the opening round of the D1A playoffs on Saturday in Moraga, CA.

Watch Cal Poly at Saint Mary's LIVE on FloRugby

Date: Saturday, April 14 | Time: 2 PM PDT | Venue: Saint Mary's Stadium, Moraga, CA

Cal Poly has certainly been improving, and the Mustangs’ 29-22 victory over San Diego State that vaulted the team into the playoffs is some indication of that.

“We have improved,” Cal Poly head coach Jame Tesoriero said. “Our set piece has been very good, and we’ve been able to use our scrum as a platform to attack from. We’ve been able to keep possession and squeeze opponents as we build possessions.”

And that is how the Mustangs played Saint Mary’s to a 7-7 tie at halftime before the Gaels pulled away for a 36-17 win on March 17.

Now? More of the same, but it won’t be easy. While both teams go into this weekend hit with injuries, Cal Poly’s depth is definitely going to be tested. And Saint Mary’s showed last weekend it can beat Cal even with some injuries.

FloRugby Pick: Saint Mary’s. There’s something about the Gaels this year. They don’t get rattled too often, and while Cal Poly will try to do just that, Saint Mary’s should pull away.