Eagle Rugby Blog

MONTPELLIER, France — On Saturday evening, the USA Men’s Rugby Team held an emotional Rugby World Cup jersey presentation for the Team set to play against South Africa on Sunday. Not only will this be the last jersey presentation for the U.S during this 2007 Rugby World Cup, but it also marks a few major milestones in Eagles history.

Captain Mike Hercus kicked off the long-standing Eagles tradition with some impressive statistics regarding lock Alec Parker (Aspen, Colo.), who will be starting in his 50th test match tomorrow.

Parker, who made his Eagles debut in 1996 has seen nearly 100 players capped, four head coaches come and go and three Rugby World Cups, where he’s started in 10 of the 11 last matches.

“Alec represents all that is good about American rugby and it is fitting that he recieves his 50th cap at the end of his third World Cup. He has been one of the most consistent and best performers in an Eagles jersey over the 11 years and it’s an incredible accomplishment for any rugby player,” Captain Mike Hercus said. “His contribution to the Eagles goes far beyond what is seen on the field. He is the glue in the squad and anyone who has ever played with him knows just how valuable a teammate he is. It is an honor to play alongside a man who will surely be one of the greatest Eagles ever.”

Hercus presented Parker with an eagle statue and invited Alec to also say a few words about his experience and hand out the jerseys along with veteran No. 8 Fifita “Tasi” Mounga.

Mounga, who, in his second Rugby World Cup with the Eagles, was carried off on a stretcher from Wednesday night’s game against Samoa. Although Mounga was released by the hospital Friday morning and was allowed to rejoin the Team in Montpellier, the San Francisco resident sustained a cervical spine injury that has caused the Golden Gate player to reexamine his immediate playing future.

“I am hanging up my cleats,” Mounga said. “Rugby is the sport that I love and it’s very emotional for me right now, but I am just thankful for everyone’s support, not only the doctors, coaches and players, but also the numerous people that have sent me their well-wishes and prayers. Playing in my second Rugby World Cup was amazing and I’m so glad to have gotten the chance to experience it.”

“It has been an honor to play with these guys,” Parker said after his reflection of the last 11 years. “Tasi and Hercus have made such a difference for the Eagles. I wouldn’t want my 50th cap with any other team. This squad is so close, they have been with me through all sorts of stuff and I too am just really thankful to have gotten this opportunity to represent the U.S. in another Rugby World Cup.”

Release courtesy of USA Rugby

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The Pittsburgh Harlequins will be hosting a USA Rugby Coaching workshop November 10-11, 2007. For those of familiar with the old “levels” style of training, you will be pleased to know that this program is much more focused for your target audience. There is much more hands-on training, and less lecture. I invite all of you to consider taking advantage of this opportunity at the end of your fall seasons. You can sign up for the course through USA Rugby at their website www.usarugby.org.

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USA Rugby head coach Peter Thorburn named his squad for their final game at the Rugby World Cup against South Africa.

The U.S. Team for this match includes: 1. Mike MacDonald; 2. Owen Lentz; 3. Chris Osentowski; 4. Alec Parker; 5. Mike Mangan; 6. Louis Stanfill; 7. Todd Clever; 8. Dan Payne; 9. Chad Erskine; 10. Mike Hercus (C); 11. Salesi Sika; 12. Vaha Esikia; 13. Philip Eloff; 14. Taku Ngwenya; 15. Chris Wyles.

Replacements for the U.S. Team: 16. Blake Burdette; 17. Mate Moeakiola; 18. Mark Aylor; 19. Henry Bloomfield; 20. Mike Petri; 21. Valenese Malifa; 22. Thretton Palamo.

South Africa’s Team is as follows: 1. Os du Randt; 2. John Smit (C); 3. BJ Botha; 4. Albert van den Berg; 5. Victor Matfield; 6. Wickus van Heerden; 7. Juan Smith; 8. Schalk Burger; 9. Fourie du Preez; 10. Butch James; 11. Bryan Habana; 12. Francois Steyn; 13. Jaque Fourie;14. Akona Ndungane; 15. Percy Montgomery.

Replacements: 16. Bismarck du Plessis; 17. CJ van der Linde; 18. Bakkies Botha; 19. Bobby Skinstad; 20. Ruan Pienaar; 21. Andre Pretorius; 22. JP Pietersen; 23. Wynand Olivier.

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Coming off an impressive, although futile, second half showing against Samoa, the US Eagles have the consolation of playing perennial favorite South Africa in their final match at the Rugby World Cup.

While some bloggers are expressing their discontent with the USA Rugby program, head coach and former All Black Peter Thorburn has a bit more optimism in the future of the program.

In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Thorburn stated that a true professional league is the only way for the national program to become a top tier team.

“The game has got to get the foundations right,” Thorburn told the paper. “It needs to become strong in the high schools and the colleges and grow from there, which is happening.”

With the addition of the NA4 against Canada, as well as the Churchill Cup with England, Scotland and the NZ Maori, the level of competition has risen, but not enough for Thorburn.

“The competitions are not intense enough and until professional rugby is established in the States, which is going to happen sooner rather than later, the game will take a while to become a top sport.”

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SAINT-ETIENNE, France – Although the U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team got off to slow start against Samoa on Wednesday night, the Eagles were able to come back from a 19-point deficit at halftime to finish 25-21, just short of notching its first win in pool A action at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

“They got a little too far in front of us early out,” Coach Peter Thorburn said, “But the team came back and gutsed it out until the end. We didn’t really have a lot of choice. We were down 22-3 at half time, but to keep at them until the end shows a lot of heart and I think that is one of the positives to come out of this match.”

With neither team able to make the quarter-finals, Samoa decided to throw caution to the wind and played an expansive game. The relaxed Pacific Islanders delighted the fans at Saint-Etienne with their free-flowing rugby but also made plenty of errors, failing to show patience with ball in hand and missing several try-scoring opportunities.

“We knew going into this that it would be a very physical game,” Thorburn added. “And we expect a much tougher match against South Africa. But, we made some mistakes in our lineouts and allowed them a majority of possesion in the first half. Those are the mistakes that make the difference in a game like this.”

The USA appeared a bit rusty following a 14-day break between matches and were always going to struggle to recover from a 22-3 half-time deficit. However, they rallied in the second half just falling short after a last minute try by Louis Stanfill (UC Berkeley) brought the score to within four.

Samoa wings Lome Fa’atau (fifth minute) and Alesana Tuilagi (ninth minute) and second row Kane Thompson (37th minute) crossed in the first half to to give Samoa a comfortable 19-point lead at the break.

However, early in the second half Samoa continued to find holes in the defense, but their execution let them down and USA scored in the 53rd minute through electrifying wing Takudzwa Ngwenya.

He stepped Tuilagi and showed blistering pace to score an impressive solo try, despite team-mate and Eagles No. 8 Tasi Mounga being in the sin-bin for a professional foul.

USA fly half Mike Hercus converted a tough attempt to reduce the gap to 22-10 and managed to close the gap with two additional penalty goals. But Samoa full back Loki Crichton also added a crucial three points to put the Samoan team just out of range.

Samoa finishes their Rugby World Cup with a win, while the USA prepares for its final match against South Africa on Sunday, September 30 in Montpellier.

Samoa 25, USA 21 (halftime 22-3)

USA (21)
Tries: Stanfill, Ngwenya
Conversions: Hercus
Penalties: Hercus 3

USA Lineup
1. Mike MacDonald (Matekitonga Moeakiola in at 68); 2. Owen Lentz; 3. Chris Osentowski; 4. Alec Parker; 5. Hayden Mexted; 6. Louis Stanfill; 7. Todd Clever (Blake Burdette in at 45); 8. Fifita Mounga (Mark Aylor in at 64); 9. Chad Erskine; 10. Mike Hercus (c); 11. Takudzwa Ngwenya; 12. Vahafolau Esikia (Albert Tuipulotu in at 73); 13. Philip Eloff; 14. Salesi Sika; 15. Chris Wyles.

Samoa (25)
Tries: Fa’atau, Tuilagi, Thompson
Conversions: Crichton 2
Penalties: Crichton 2

Samoa Lineup
1. Kas Lealamanua (Naama Leleimalefaga in at 70); 2. Mahonri Schwalger (Silao Vaisola Sefo in at 73); 3. Census Johnston; 4. Leo Lafaiali’I; 5. Kane Thompson (Joe Tekori in at 64); 6. Semo Sititi (c); 7. Justin Purdie; 8. Alfie Vaeluaga (Ulia Ulia in at 67); 9. Junior Polu (Steve So’oialo in at 70);10. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Lolo Lui in at 70).; 11. Alesana Tuilagi; 12. Elvis Seveali’I; 13. Seilala Mapusua; 14. Lome Fa’atau David Lemi in at 60); 15. Loki Crichton.

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The first ORU Collegiate Rugbyfest will be held Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 at Berliner Park in Columbus, Ohio.  All Ohio collegiate rugby squads are required to play that day, with the exception of Dayton, Xavier and Ohio Wesleyan.  The games are hosted by the ORU, Scioto Valley RFC and the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation.

Games will start at 9 a.m. and end by 6 p.m..  The feature matches of the day will be played at 1 p.m.  The Ohio State University Men and Women will be playing national-caliber matches.

While not mandatory, St. Edward players are encouraged to attend to watch this high-level of rugby, as well as meet and greet with the multitude of college coaches on the five pitches.

Berliner Park is located at:
325 Greenlawn Ave
Columbus, OH 43223

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Please be aware that we have outlined several different options for you on this important day, this important fundraiser for Eagle Rugby!  We have the following times of interests:

4:00 PM: Cornhole Tournament with snacks, soup, broth, etc.

5:00 PM:  Mass, not mandatory for the Eagle Rugby Clambake festivities through Eagle Rugby, but a “public Catholic service announcement.”  It is mandatory during one of those days during the weekend.  Coach Fox needs all the prayers he can get!  I developed an intention for the weekend.

7:00 PM: Dinner

The attached flyer for the Eagle Rugby Clambake is below.  A special thank you goes out to Michelle Asp for developing the flyer and providing the last minute details.  You will notice that there is a SPECIAL 50/50 Raffle for the Gary Minerd Family.  The tickets are $5.00 each.  Gary Minerd suddenly died in April of 2006 leaving behind his loving wife Kate, and four children ranging in age from 14 to 8.  Gary was a graduate of St. Edward High School in 1983.  The Minerd Family needs your help once again for 2007.  Let us try to sell all these 50/50 Raffle Tickets for the Minerd Family before October 27!

The subject of checks, tickets, the 50/50 will be handled as follows:

CLAMBAKE: Please make out your checks for the Clambake to “St. Edward High School” and mail your check to me at 721 Derby Way, Avon Lake, 44012.  The cost of the Clambake is $40.00 per ticket.  Please write in the memo section of your check the number of bakes.  I will gather all monies and your ticket for the Clambake will be waiting for you once you check in on October 27, 2007.  THERE WILL BE NO PRE MAILING OF CLAMBAKE TICKETS BEFORE OCTOBER 27!  Throughout the course of the month of October, I will email everyone an update on the checks recieved, including your check number, dollar amount, and number of tickets needed along with your corresponding Clambake Ticket Number.

The 50/50 Raffle for The Gary Minerd Family: The cost of the 50/50 Raffle is $5.00 a ticket.  Checks should be made payable for the 50/50 Raffle to me, “Tom Kueller” and write in the memo section of your check “50/50″ Raffle and please mail that check to 721 Derby Way, Avon Lake, 44012.

We have two events, one that benefits Eagle Rugby, and the other for The Minerd Family which calls for two ways for you to write your checks. I realize it might be a big pain, but the separation of the two events helps me when I present the accounting report to St. Edward High School.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

PLEASE WRITE TWO CHECKS IF YOU WANT THE CLAMBAKE AND 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS.

Any questions, please call me at 440 823 5244.

Regards,

Tom Kueller

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LYON, France - USA head coach Peter Thorburn (NZL) announced the team set to play Samoa in the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool A match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

“We have put out the best side that we have to face Samoa,” Head Coach Peter Thorburn said. “We obviously hope to come away with a win, but more importantly, we hope to meet our team objectives. If we can accomplish those, the rest will follow.”

Captain Mike Hercus added, “We will have to be aware of their physicality and their strong way of making contact. They are very good breaking tackles and have a good line-out. I think it will be a very difficult match.”

The U.S. starting lineup includes: 1. Mike MacDonald; 2. Owen Lentz; 3. Chris Osentowski; 4. Alec Parker; 5. Hayden Mexted; 6. Louis Stanfill; 7. Todd Clever; 8. Fifita Mounga; 9. Chad Erskine; 10. Mike Hercus (c); 11. Takudzwa Ngwenya; 12. Vahafolau Esikia; 13. Philip Eloff; 14. Salesi Sika; 15. Chris Wyles.

Replacements: 16. Blake Burdette; 17. Matekitonga Moeakiola; 18. Mark Aylor; 19. Henry Bloomfield; 20. Mike Petri; 21. Valenese Malifa; 22. Albert Tuipulotu.

The Samoa starting lineup is as follows: 1. Kas Lealamanua; 2. Mahonri Schwalger; 3. Census Johnston; 4. Leo Lafaiali’I; 5. Kane Thompson; 6. Semo Sititi (c); 7. Justin Purdie; 8. Alfie Vaeluaga; 9. Junior Polu;10. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu; 11. Alesana Tuilagi; 12. Elvis Seveali’I; 13. Seilala Mapusua; 14. Lome Fa’atau; 15. Loki Crichton

Replacements: 16. Silao Vaisola Sefo; 17. Naama Leleimalefaga; 18. Joe Tekori; 19 Ulia Ulia; 20. Steve So’oialo; 21. David Lemi; 22. Lolo Lui.

Release courtesy USA Rugby

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John Carroll 52 - Cleveland State 0

Xavier 17 - Marshall 13

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