The Iowa Central rugby team never backs down from a challenge. 

And head coach Brent Nelson knows that is exactly what will be coming to Crimmins Field this Saturday when the Tritons host Lindenwood. 

Match time is set for noon with the A-side while the B-side follows at 2 p.m. 

Iowa Central opened the spring portion of its schedule with a tough loss at Davenport, leaving the players - and coaches - ready to get back to it.

"We've had a good couple weeks of practice," Nelson said. "Davenport really held up the mirror and showed us things we need to work on. Taking a beating like that, most people would say is not a good thing. But it actually worked out to our advantage because it humbled our guys a little bit."

The Tritons had two matches with Iowa State in a shortened fall campaign due to COVID-19. Lindenwood has been competing since early in February, putting together a 6-1 record that includes wins over Arkansas State, Life, Marian and Central Washington. They suffered a 32-26 setback to Life this past weekend.

"Lindenwood is hungry and I know that their coach will put a proper side together," Nelson said. "They are very good at developing players and providing them an opportunity, which is what we are doing as well. And I know they are going to be hungry after the loss to Life.

"We try to punch-up here at Iowa Central. Early on, we were trying to figure out where we belonged competitively as a program. And while I wouldn't consider us a top team in the country, I know our boys will compete with the top teams in the country."

Iowa Central and Lindenwood have played three times, with the Lions winning all three including two in St. Charles, Missouri in 2019. They also won the first encounter in 2018 played in Fort Dodge.

Spectators are allowed at both matches with masks required and social distancing encouraged. 

"We want as many people there as we can get," Nelson said. "But we need to follow the guidelines put in place at the same time."

-By Dana Becker