RWC Qualifiers...It's all fun and games until you face Canada....

I’m really torn about this week’s blog.  I spent a lot of time with the Eagles photographing practice and pre/post game.  No one can deny they play with some serious heart.  But it’s just not translating into wins.  Everyone and their uncle has or will be breaking down the game.  So I'm choosing to channel my inner psychic.  Let’s take a look forward and see how possibly the Rugby Gods did the USA Eagles a favor….?

Our road to the 2015 RWC was never going to be easy.  But, a 27-9 loss against Canada last week causes problems.  This gives them a wicked 18 point advantage going into the match on Saturday Aug 24^th in Toronto.  So to take our easiest road (Road 1), we now not only need to win, but win by at least 19 points.  And let’s be honest it means we have a lot of work to do this week.  But do we really want to beat Canada on Saturday?  Should we be so hell bent on hanging our hopes and prayers on beating the spread?  I argue that making it into the RWC by beating Canada may NOT be the best place for the Eagles.  Pool B gives us our best chance and we have a clear shot at it.  Now before you throw tomatoes at me, hear my argument.  Let’s break it down.

Don't look at me like that Todd - I have a valid theory....

Where the roads lead….

 Alright, we’ve got the 3 possibilities laid out before us.

Road 1 – Pool D as Americas 1 (France/Ireland/Italy/Europe 2)  

We beat Canada by more than 18 points Saturday and we’re into pool D – YAY!  Wait, yay?   France is gonna go forward no question, which leaves the Eagles to get past Ireland and Italy.  Now you can argue with me all you want that USA would be hard pressed to beat Ireland or Italy, but dammit-I photographed both those matches and I think we could.  Except, we have to remember the top Irish players were with the Lions this summer, so while I could see us sneak by Italy, Ireland will be formidable.   I think we would stand a solid shot at it.  Chances of going to QFs – questionable (50/50)

Road 2 – Pool B as Americas 2 (Springboks/Samoa/Scotland/Asia 1) 

We lose Saturday-BOO, so we face Uruguay-which we will win and then be in Pool B – Yay?  Hell yeah YAY!  We know the Boks will be QFinalist.   With Samoa and Scotland, we face some pretty tough roads.  Samoa is becoming a POWERHOUSE in rugby.  Beating them won’t be easy.  But they will take a pounding from the Springboks and if we play them later, could be a team we can beat.  Scotland can be pretty schizophrenic and with so many recent changes, they are just this year beginning a rebuild.  That leaves a large question mark as well.  Chances of going to QFs – (65/35)

Road 3 – Pool A as Repechage  (Aussies/England/Wales/Oceania Playoff winner) 

We lose Saturday to Canada-Boo, we some how lose to Uruguay-Ugh, so we play through the Repechage.  Ok so in terms of getting to the RWC it’s a boom boom boom win win win and we go.  But and this is a seriously Kim Kardashian size BUT—we end up in the pool of doom.  Aussies. England. Wales. Oh my!  It’s a no brainer that either Aussies or England will go through with Wales.  And we’re gonna take a beating no matter what.  Chances of going to QFs – don’t make me type it.

So there you have it.  Boo Hoo that Canada defeats us all you want.  I give it no nevermind.  We want Americas 2.  Let Ireland deal with Canada.   Besides the runner up in Pool D will in all likelihood face NZL in the QF!  So HA!  Ha ha? Wait.  I could photography USA Eagles v All Blacks? Dammit! Let's beat CANADA!!!!  Go Eagles!

Could I take a moment and recommend starting Cam Dolan? Or at least put him in sooner?

Paul Emerick - Throwback for a legend!

Last week, USA rugby legend Paul Emerick announced his retirement from the pitch.  What an amazing career.  I can't wait to see where his road leads, it's going to be great.    I had the pleasure of interviewing him in 2011 after he got back from the RWC in New Zealand.  I was working on a blog for Wales Online and even though he isn't Welsh, there's a very devoted Welsh following here in the states who still see him as a Dragon.  So in honor of Paul and this weekend's start of USA Eagles road to RWC 2015, I'm reposting the original interview here.  And Paul, if you see this...I think it's time we did another one of these.  In fact, I think you should do a guest blog for me and share some of the awesome stories from your career ;)  (BTW I'm calling it - Eagles will defeat Canada tomorrow - 21-12)

Originally Posted @ WalesOnline & manpilez.com in November 2011

USA Rugby has a Dragon in their midst….

The Welsh rugby community in the USA has always been loud and proud; never more so than now!  And those of us who gathered to watch the Pool matches from RWC2011 sweated out not only the Wales games, but the USA matches as well.  We spent most of our time watching the experienced Center-Paul Emerick.  He’s a rugby star away from home for us Welsh fans who fondly recall his days in Wales with the Dragons.   The USA Eagles may not be in New Zealand in these closing weeks, but Emerick is already geared up for the challenge of his career.   I had the chance to talk with Paul recently and he had a lot to say about coaching, his teammates, and who’s walking away with the RWC trophy in a couple of weeks.

(R) You started your rugby career at college in Iowa?
(P) Its University of Northern Iowa.  I went to school to play football originally, then after my freshman year quit. And I kind of missed playing in a competitive sport and flag football wasn’t cutting for me so I learned to play rugby.

(R) You ended up in Italy playing for Italy.   How did you end up there?  
(P) When I’d started I didn’t even know there was a national team through rugby till after my first year and into my second year.  I graduated in ’03, went to the RWC and actually I stayed in Chicago and played a year of club rugby and signed my first contract in Sicily in the Italian competition.
[Writer’s Note: Emerick played for Amatori Catania and then Overmach Parma]

(R) A lot of fans on twitter were quick to tell me you are fluent in Italian.  Is that correct?
(P) *laughs*  I’m not gonna solve any international incidents but I can get through my day without speaking any English and  you know watch TV with relative competence. 

(R) Is that something you just started learning there or have you always loved learning languages?
(P) Well there’s no Italian classes in Iowa *laughs* I’d taken a little bit of French in high school and college and when I moved to ?? I bought a self-teach book and I wanted to get assimilated with the culture.  Part of that was having to learn the language and being able to speak and learning all the day to day things. [Sicily] is pretty old school Italian and not a lot of English speakers down there, so it was good.  It made my time overseas more enjoyable.  I could sit down with my team mates and have a bit of banter in a language that everyone can understand. 

(R) You spent a few seasons with the Dragons in Wales, what was your experience there like?
(P) I enjoyed it a ton actually, it’s just nice to be in a country where rugby is such an important part of the culture.  My team mates and the club there were fantastic and I love the fans down there in Newport.  I was sad to leave.

(R) Would you want to play in Wales again?
(P) I would love to go back there for another season or two.  I left to chase another contract in France and that didn’t work out and I ended up back in Italy.  Hindsight is 20/20, looking back now I should have stayed for my last year of my contract, but I’d love to get back over there.  I enjoyed living in Cardiff, I enjoyed the culture—it was nice.
[Writer’s Note:  Blues, Ospreys, Dragons, and Scarlets--I’ve got his number and I’m willing to pass it along….I know at least one of you four needs it]

(R) You’re at Life University in Georgia now as a player/coach.  Is it hard wearing both hats?
(P) I’m only coaching the undergraduate team here and then I’m playing with the graduate team.  It’s good to have that separation.  I enjoy coaching and the kids are eager to learn and take stuff on board.   I think in the years down the road I’ll be involved in rugby and the coaching part of it.  It’s definitely different trying to be able to relay your vision and your point across to the kids. I can relate a lot to them, a lot of them are still 2-3 years into rugby.  I know what it’s like being that American who started the game late.  Hopefully, I do a good job coaching.  It’s still a learning experience with me; I’m still learning how to be a coach.  It’s very different.

(R) What was your favorite moment on the pitch at the World Cup and why?
(P) I think my favorite moment on the pitch was the try I set up for my teammate Chris Wyles against Italy.  That was my favorite moment, probably the highlight of my tournament there.

(R) What was your favorite moment off the pitch at RWC?
(P) We were down in New Plymouth with a day off, and James Paterson had organized a day out in Taranaki.  We went out and sheared sheep, shot some clay pigeons,  went on a jet boat ride and had a big barbeque.  It was a good day out, just spending time with the boys in a non-rugby setting.  That was one of the best days off.

(R) In general everyone has said that USA played serious rugby in NZL, was this the same thing you heard from other teams? 
(P) I think our defense really improved leading up to the world cup and during the world cup.  Other teams definitely knew they walked away from a physical match so we got the general consensus we got from our games

(R) What was the reception like from your fellow Pool teams?
(P) Everyone was very amicable, I’ve played with four or five of the Irish guys when I was up in Belfast and against some of the Irish in my time with the Dragons.  After the games we didn’t do any after match functions, it just didn’t work out.  We had to travel the next day or the other team did.  Even though we didn’t have any sit down stuff we did go to each other’s locker rooms, trade jerseys and just had a cool accord.  One of the great things about rugby, after the game is done everyone is quick to congratulate you and wish you luck for the next game.

(R) Who’s your money on to take it all in the RWC?
(P) I picked South Africa and Wales in the finals.  I picked Wales for a revenge win after the pool play.  But now I think Wales will come out of the top bracket there to go to the finals and probably pick New Zealand to make it to the finals.  I think probably New Zealand to win it.  They’re at home and if they can’t win the world cup in New Zealand, then I don’t think they can win it.   There are no clear favorites anymore and that’s what makes for exciting games.
[Writer’s Note: This interview was right before France vs. Wales.  And even if it’s posted after the final—I’m sure the All Blacks won. LOL]

(R) What’s next for you?  Pan American Games? 
(P) Definitely I’m going down to Guadalajara, Mexico to the Pan American Games and gonna try to win a gold medal down there.  Then, after that I’m gonna sit down and evaluate where I’m at.  See how my body feels and there might be a contract out there.  I’m undecided on the Sevens World Series right now.

(R) What’s your long term rugby goal?  How much longer do you think you want to play?
(P) I think that the playing aspect, my days are pretty number.  If I find the right situation with a professional club back in Europe then I would love to go back there and play another season or two.  I’m just assessing where I’m at with things and where USA rugby’s at.   I’m just gonna worry about the Pan American games now and then I’m just sitting back and seeing  where everything’s at and then will go from there.
[Writer’s Note: Paul is missing the Pan-American Games because of a knee injury.  He’s had surgery and is expected to fully recover and be back on the pitch in 6-8 weeks.  Definitely we will miss seeing him play, but wish him all the best for a speedy recovery!]

(R) Who’s the best/worst roommate you’ve ever had?  
(P) Best—JJ Gagiano  He’s a bit like me, we’re a couple of koala bears.  We like to just hunker in and bed down and take naps all day.  I like my sleep.  He’s a really great roommate     Worst—Ashley Smith of the Dragons.  The guy spent more time with hair spray and on his hair in the morning just making sure things were correct and proper even well before we had to travel and stuff.  I just thought that was incredibly weird.  But actually he looked good; his hair was never out of place.

(R) If you were stranded on a desert island which two team mates would you take with you and why?
(from any team)
(P) Alec Parker-he is probably one of the handiest dudes you’ll ever meet.  He could probably fish, hunt and build you a hut with just a knife so he’d be a handy guy to get stuck on a desert island with.  And for entertainment purposes I’d probably ask for Yusef, the Russian.  The guy is just full of stories, half of them probably aren’t true but entertaining none the less.

(R) Do you have any Pre-Match ritual or are you a show up get the kit on kinda guy?
(P) If we have an evening game, I like to get a little nap in.  I usually stay pretty low key before matches.  There’s no sense in getting all ramped up way before you need to.  I really don’t have any rituals or anything.

(R) Best tour moment?
(P) Probably just this last world cup with that play in the Italy match was probably one of the best moments I’ve had.

(R)What is your perfect day off? 
(P) Go to the beach and just hang out get some surfboarding in or get some wake boarding in.  Depends on where I’m at, gotta be something that’s not rugby related and some good scenery go on a hike.  Just being outside enjoying nature.

(R) What’s on your ipod?
(P) A little bit of everything, country music, big Zac Brown Band fan, a lot of 90’s rock and roll

(R) What was the last book you read?
(P) A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson  It’s about the Appalachian Trail, a fully entertaining read.

(R) Who is your Rugby Hero?
(P) I’m a big fan of Felipe Contepomi, the Argentinian fly half. I remember playing several games against him and just walking off the pitch thinking he’s the man.  Great player, he’s versatile hard guy great feet; he’s been playing well for Argentina.

(R) Several female fans would like to know if you are single? 
(P) Currently I am.
[Writer’s note:  The queue forms behind me-stay to the right]

(R) Our Welsh crowd at Vegas 7’s always loves you, you think you’ll ever shake this welsh connection or are you stuck with us? 
(P) I wouldn’t say I’m stuck with the Welsh connection, I’m happy I’ve got the support of the Welsh community over here in the states.  The Welsh fans are some of the most passionate fans in the rugby community.  I’m more than happy to be a part of it.

Well, there you have it—a quick profile of one of the biggest names in rugby and definitely THE biggest name in USA Rugby.  With loads of personality, Paul Emerick is a great guy to chat with.  Thank you again Paul! 

And just to round it out, here are a couple of my favorite pics I've taken of Emerick.  (Side note: I've a serious love hate relationship with the one with me in it! It is from a few years ago!!)