Rivalries.

They are an integral part of sports and one of the most fun, or most stressful, depending on what kind of fan you are.

When it comes to Florida D2 rugby at this time, there are three main rivalries.

While Tampa and Orlando have a solid mid-state rivalry, they've already played twice this season, with the Griffins coming out on top twice.

Thus, this week we have the two most bitter men's rugby rivalries in the state taking place, with Fort Lauderdale hosting Boca Raton and Miami Tridents hosting Miami RFC. 

If you don't get out much in South Florida to see rugby, make this weekend the time to do it. You won't regret it.

And don't forget to email me with your own ramblings at sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com.

Division II

Boca Raton (4-0) at Fort Lauderdale (3-1): The last time these two teams met, in the 2013-14 state semifinals, the Knights came out on top 20-17 thanks to a last-second drop goal. In their regular season matchups last year, the teams split a pair of games, with Lauderdale winning first 25-16, and Boca the second 13-3. This season's first contest should be another enthralling 80 minutes with first place in the standings potentially up for grabs. The Buccaneers handled their first three games rather easily, but two of those were against one-win Naples, while the other was against the Tridents, who also have just one win. Last time out, Boca squeaked by Miami, giving up the most points they have all season: 22. Up until that point, they had allowed a total of only 17 points. This will undoubtedly be their toughest test of the season to date by a country mile. Lauderdale, meanwhile, had a slight road hiccup vs. Orlando back in December, but have scored 40-plus points in their three victories, winning by an average margin of 26 points. So, we have Boca's solid defense vs. Fort Lauderdale's excellent offense, but of course there are plenty of other factors that will play out in the battle for Broward and Palm Beach. After a week of pondering, with my five-game unbeaten streak on the line, I'm going with the host Knights in this one. I just think they have enough talent across the board to edge the Buccaneers. Fort Lauderdale 22, Boca Raton 19

Miami RFC (1-3) at Miami Tridents (1-3): There's always something riding on this matchup of the two 305 sides -- pride -- but this year's first meeting between them is especially critical because the loser is likely to find themselves out of postseason contention with four losses in a nine-game schedule. Both teams have played tough schedules to start the season, with only Miami's loss to Naples really looking like a poor result. The Tridents' three losses have come to Fort Lauderdale twice and Boca Raton, teams with a combined record of 7-1. Miami has also lost to Boca and 3-1 Jacksonville. The two teams split their pair of meetings last season. Again, I like the home team in this one if they can just step up their defense a little and not allow the average of 37.3 points a game they have been giving up so far this season. Miami Tridents 32, Miami RFC 27

Orlando (3-1) at Naples (1-3): This game takes a backseat to the other two in a big way, especially as Naples are coming off an almighty ass-whooping on the road at Jacksonville and have now lost their last two games by a combined score of 108-8. Orlando, meanwhile, are surprising many with their solid play so far this season, although they've got a little lucky with the schedule having played winless Krewe twice and a short-handed Fort Lauderdale on the road. In their one loss they gave up a monster 52 points to the Tridents. I don't think they'll have any trouble hooking the Hammerheads in this one, though. Orlando 38, Naples 17

Division III

Whoa! Only one more week before the D3 season restarts again after a two-month break! I've forgotten what teams even play in D3 it's been so long. Will they even remember the laws? They'll probably just throw the rugby ball like a football at first.

Last week: 1-0

Season: 22-10-1 (66.7%)

All Time: 123-44-1 (73.2%)