Showing posts with label Shaun Davies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaun Davies. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies on Rugby H2H
Earlier this year, scrumhalf Shaun Davies dawned new colors for a spell at the USA Rugby College Championships, a sort of regional all-star romp to see who's the best at their position and prime for filling a spot on the Collegiate All-American squad.
Of course Our Boy stepped in good fashion and, no surprise, became a 2010 All-Star and All-American. Here's a video snippet (hosted by Rugby Head 2 Head) of some Shaun Davies highlights. You can see the video on youtube by clicking HERE.
Enjoy!
Read more...
Monday, September 7, 2009
BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies: Interview of the Week
If you had to choose just one player from the BYU Rugby team that best displayed the skills and dynamics necessary to meet all facets of the game of rugby, the clear choice would be BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies. While his height might cause the unknowing observer to question, anyone who has witnessed him play for even a few minutes knows of his amazing elusiveness and physicality on the field. (Photos by Paul Meyers)
At the position of scrumhalf, Shaun's obvious talent and high level of execution not only rendered him an individual threat but also set him apart as a dependable leader. Throughout the season, it was a common occurrence to witness Shaun score more than one individual try as well as set up numerous others. His aptitude and decisiveness at such a critical position enabled the BYU Rugby team to play at a faster pace than ever before.
With great pleasure, the BYU Rugby Forever "Interview of the Week" series continues with the most recognizable player on the field today, the face of the BYU Rugby team, All-American Scrumhalf Shaun Davies.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What influenced you to come to BYU all the way from home in South Africa? Has it been a tough transition to adapt to the LDS/BYU culture?
Shaun Davies:
Well, BYU is a really good school, and the rugby team speaks for itself; so that is the main reason, but I always just wanted to study away from home...just never knew it would be this far. It was never tough to adapt to the culture because all the guys on the team were so helpful to Dylan and me.
BYU Rugby Forever:
In the 2009 National Title match against Cal Berkeley, you notched a penalty kick with less than 5 minutes left in the game to give BYU the win by 3 points and to be subsequently named the match MVP. What does this moment and achievement mean to you? to your family?
Shaun Davies:
I was extremely honored to have received the award. To be honest though, I think there were a bunch of guys who could have got the award before me; I guess I was just lucky to have got the kick over.
My parents think that I am the next Daniel Carter or something now. I better not let them down.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Earlier this summer, you were injured while playing for the RegionalAll-Star team, the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, which injury prevented youfrom playing with the All-Americans. What was injured and how? What's the status of your recovery and ability to play next season?
Shaun Davies:
I tore the MCL and PCL; the MCL was torn completely though. It was just unlucky how it happened. I was running the ball back and thought I got round the first wave of defenders, but then some guy hit me from the side and there went my knee.
I am meant to be back and playing full contact by mid September, but I think I will just take it easy. I don’t see the point of coming back and then just hurting it again.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What were some of the most intense moments you experienced this past season?
Shaun Davies:
There are so many intense moments from this last season. It varies from Coach Smyth nearly killing me in a half time talk against Dartmouth to playing Berkley in the final.
One of my favorite moments would have to be against [Arkansas State]. I remember after the try we scored, Kyle Sumsion went crazy (most intense moment), and I just burst out laughing at him. And looking back at that now, I still laugh even though that was for me the toughest game of the season.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your goals for yourself and for the team during the rest of your BYU Rugby career? If possible, would you pursue the opportunity to play rugby on a higher level?
Shaun Davies:
For the BYU rugby team, we have now set the benchmark of a perfect season, and we know what it takes...so I would love to have three more of those, and I am willing to do whatever it takes.
It’s funny you ask that, because yesterday I was watching the Berkley game but concentrating on myself...and it made me realize that if I do want to play at a higher level, there is still a lot I have to improve. To answer your question, I want to go as far in rugby as I can go.
BYU Rugby Forever:
To all the BYU Rugby faithful around the world, do you have any particular message or thoughts you would share?
Shaun Davies:
Thank you all so much for the support. You don’t realize how much it helps and how much we enjoy it. I hope that we can make you guys just as happy this season as we did last.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks, Shaun. Hope you heal up well in time for another great season! Congrats on the MVP and national honors!
Read more...
At the position of scrumhalf, Shaun's obvious talent and high level of execution not only rendered him an individual threat but also set him apart as a dependable leader. Throughout the season, it was a common occurrence to witness Shaun score more than one individual try as well as set up numerous others. His aptitude and decisiveness at such a critical position enabled the BYU Rugby team to play at a faster pace than ever before.
With great pleasure, the BYU Rugby Forever "Interview of the Week" series continues with the most recognizable player on the field today, the face of the BYU Rugby team, All-American Scrumhalf Shaun Davies.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What influenced you to come to BYU all the way from home in South Africa? Has it been a tough transition to adapt to the LDS/BYU culture?
Shaun Davies:
Well, BYU is a really good school, and the rugby team speaks for itself; so that is the main reason, but I always just wanted to study away from home...just never knew it would be this far. It was never tough to adapt to the culture because all the guys on the team were so helpful to Dylan and me.
BYU Rugby Forever:
In the 2009 National Title match against Cal Berkeley, you notched a penalty kick with less than 5 minutes left in the game to give BYU the win by 3 points and to be subsequently named the match MVP. What does this moment and achievement mean to you? to your family?
Shaun Davies:
I was extremely honored to have received the award. To be honest though, I think there were a bunch of guys who could have got the award before me; I guess I was just lucky to have got the kick over.
My parents think that I am the next Daniel Carter or something now. I better not let them down.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Earlier this summer, you were injured while playing for the RegionalAll-Star team, the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, which injury prevented youfrom playing with the All-Americans. What was injured and how? What's the status of your recovery and ability to play next season?
Shaun Davies:
I tore the MCL and PCL; the MCL was torn completely though. It was just unlucky how it happened. I was running the ball back and thought I got round the first wave of defenders, but then some guy hit me from the side and there went my knee.
I am meant to be back and playing full contact by mid September, but I think I will just take it easy. I don’t see the point of coming back and then just hurting it again.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What were some of the most intense moments you experienced this past season?
Shaun Davies:
There are so many intense moments from this last season. It varies from Coach Smyth nearly killing me in a half time talk against Dartmouth to playing Berkley in the final.
One of my favorite moments would have to be against [Arkansas State]. I remember after the try we scored, Kyle Sumsion went crazy (most intense moment), and I just burst out laughing at him. And looking back at that now, I still laugh even though that was for me the toughest game of the season.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your goals for yourself and for the team during the rest of your BYU Rugby career? If possible, would you pursue the opportunity to play rugby on a higher level?
Shaun Davies:
For the BYU rugby team, we have now set the benchmark of a perfect season, and we know what it takes...so I would love to have three more of those, and I am willing to do whatever it takes.
It’s funny you ask that, because yesterday I was watching the Berkley game but concentrating on myself...and it made me realize that if I do want to play at a higher level, there is still a lot I have to improve. To answer your question, I want to go as far in rugby as I can go.
BYU Rugby Forever:
To all the BYU Rugby faithful around the world, do you have any particular message or thoughts you would share?
Shaun Davies:
Thank you all so much for the support. You don’t realize how much it helps and how much we enjoy it. I hope that we can make you guys just as happy this season as we did last.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks, Shaun. Hope you heal up well in time for another great season! Congrats on the MVP and national honors!
Read more...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A long overdue look back and a timely look ahead: BYU's recent wins and the Sweet 16
I know, I know... I'm backtracking here. I shirked my responsibility to give a recap of the BYU Rugby team's most recent dominance over the course of the last weekend in March. Much was happening for me at the time, so please accept my apologies for not sharing these highlights and thoughts sooner...
Of course, with the Sweet 16 upon us next weekend, I now wish to use these critiques as a sort of springboard into my expectations, hopes, worries, and etc. for BYU's first tournament match against Dartmouth and potential, subsequent matches. So hang on; this deluge of spontaneity may very well result in my longest post to date!
Here goes, folks...
Just in case you have been living under a rock the past little while or just need to hear it again, the March 28, ESPNU National Guard "Game of the Week" resulted in BYU walking away victorious once again, 66-20, over then #4-ranked rival, Utah. The deed was done before a 'more-than-sell-out' (i.e. the stands only hold about 2,400) crowd of some 3,000+ people. At halftime, BYU Rugby alumni took to the field and received a round of applause in honor of their support of the program throughout the years. After game's end, flyhalf Dylan Lubbe was recognized as the "Minute Man of the Match" with a trophy presented by National Guard representatives. In spite of the cold weather, the evening on the whole was truly momentous, a great milestone reached for the BYU Men's Rugby program and a flicker of future potential waiting to be expanded.
The following evening, BYU again graced the television spotlight, this time in the nation's first-ever, live college rugby broadcast made available through BYU-TV. Although the 'victim of the night', Utah State, eventually managed to get on the board with a penalty kick, BYU's relentless offense and defense didn't allow any real room for hope, racking up a massive 111-3 win. What's more, BYU's score might have been even greater had the referee not stopped the match with 10+ minutes left on the clock. Bottom line: BYU dominated on all sides, no matter whom they put on the field. Freshman winger/fullback Jordan Lowry was capped "Man of the Match" after recording a hat trick of tries. All in all, it was a fun game to watch and surely a rewarding final home game in which to play, especially for the seniors.
BYU showed great depth and potency on offense, with several players scoring (many of them, secondary)... There's no doubt that this year's team is much deeper than last year's, especially with the great stock of freshman talent that has performed quite well. Nevertheless, I don't wish to dwell on a match that obviously did not present Our boys with a true test...
Instead, let's take a look at the somewhat more competitive, BYU vs. Utah game and its implications for BYU's National Title hopes...
For starters, I have to admit that I felt somewhat disappointed with BYU's level of play. Yes, it was a cold night, literally, but the team really looked 'cold' emotionally as well. I really thought all the players would be completely fired up. I thought they would be overcome with excitement to play in a televised match in front of a massive crowd. And if nothing at all, I thought they would be pumped to again prove that the rival Utes were no match for them... hmmm...
What did I see instead? I saw a lot of individual efforts that resulted in sloppy play, ridiculous penalties, and momentum-killing decisions... not to mention the called-back tries. Our boys seemed rather complacent out there on the pitch, looking on as one teammate would grab the ball and bowl forward by himself, the rest sluggishly waiting until the defense got the best of him before finally committing to support. Slow start maybe??? I hope that's the only explanation, because I'd go so far as to say that the apathy displayed in the first half was inexcusable and inexplicable... perhaps even juvenile. Let's just say that such unsupported efforts will not go unpunished in tests against more solid teams (e.g. Cal with their infamous ability to quickly poach the ball from rucks).
At least the second half was a different story: BYU turned up the energy in the backline to nullify Utah's respectable but insufficient forwards' push. I think Utah realized too late their potential to advance the ball by keeping it in the forwards. Still, their efforts weren't too pretty, and I was actually surprised to see them score as they did...
I sincerely believe that BYU could have won 80-0 if they had played with heart as a TEAM from the 'get go'... Most Utah scoring opportunities were the result of BYU gifts anyway (or penalties, whatever you want to call them). Yes, the game ended well for BYU, but... maintaining control and momentum from the start is a surer bet.
And after all these my critiques, my 'coulda-woulda-shouldas', BYU still won handily by 46 points... just the sound of it almost seems to render my words hollow. But I dare any man on the BYU Rugby team to play with the same apathy in a match against Cal... see if you can do so and still hang on to even a thread of hope for victory...
No, better yet, don't even entertain the thought of doing so (I'm being brutally sarcastic after all); instead, just talk to any of Our boys who have experienced Cal's style of play in past tournaments, and see if they would be willing to support such unsupportiveness... my guess is that they wouldn't. So what's it going to take to be successful? I mean, Cal will lose to BYU... it's only a matter of when... So what then will set this 2009 BYU Rugby team apart as deserving of the National Title?
Just one word: team. That's right, I said, "TEAM"! No one doubts BYU's depth, strength, speed, or skill. Nobody denies their great potential for success in the National Spotlight. But getting over that final hump is going to require a lot more than some highly-talented individuals only coming together at game time, hoping for collective success. No, ultimate success will only come as a result of an emphasis on team first and foremost... i.e., team attitude, team concerns, team weaknesses, team morale, team potential, team strengths, team fitness, team friendship, team support, team leadership, team effort, team synergy, team success... Are you sick of hearing it yet??? GOOD! I'm glad! Because I'm sick of watching a more dynamic, more talented side lose to the same team each year!!!
It's business time, baby! The Sweet 16 is here! You're already going, but it's time for one final tweak... I say, "do whatever it takes to execute as a team." Take Cal's game to them and to everyone! Give them a taste of their own medicine! Don't think you're going to individually break them; instead, tighten up your collective defense, establish your collective offense, and don't give in to the mind games!
You must realize, my friends, that Steve St. Pierre won't win the National Championship... Shaun Davies and Dylan Lubbe won't win the National Championship... Paul Lasike won't win the National Championship...
Only the collective BYU RUGBY TEAM stands a solid chance of taking the National Title for the first time! And all the potential is there... believe it!
Now for those of you readers, if any, who managed to get this far and are still wondering where my great breakdown is for BYU's game plan against Dartmouth or Navy or Arkansas State... well, guess what? I just gave it all to you! BYU has already proved their dominion over the competition throughout this '09 season. By kicking things up that last notch, to solidly execute as a team, BYU will surely have success over their opposition in these first two rounds of championship play. I can't see why they wouldn't...
I recently discussed with my father the distinguishing features of this year's BYU squad over previous years. I cited the BYU vs. Wyoming game (a 73-3 win) as a revealing example of the team's 'new' speed and assertiveness; in that match, it appeared that every BYU player was relentless in attacking both sides of the ball, especially the offensive. In reply to this assessment, my father essentially replied, "So it's as if BYU has 15 backs out on the field?" ... Yeah... Oh yeah!
Finally, I wish to end here by saying something to you... no, not you the players, not you the fans, but you the competition... If you don't believe anything I've written here, then as the song says, "you've got another thing comin'!" Seriously, folks... all through the season I have given BYU's competitors fair and ample consideration (e.g. the above-mentioned); I have even seriously worried over some. And yet, BYU has dismantled these teams, even when not playing to full potential.
Now, though ill-advised these words might be (as given freely to our competition), I would like to offer a few tidbits of counsel. I'm not trying to sound defiant or derogatory to anyone; I simply wish to say that BYU has lived up to their hype this season, and one should not deny the fact. Basically, BYU is fast, aggressive, strong, and dynamic... many players posses skills not inherently bestowed by the American style of rugby. For example, scrumhalf Shaun Davies is not just quick, but often can fake and shed opponents in ways not commonly seen. If you're simply hoping to beat BYU offensively, then you'd better bring a super, high-powered offense or you won't be able to cut it!
My best advice is, rather, that a solid, unbending defense might be the key to break BYU this year. A team who can manage to stifle their repeated attacks in the first half may stand a chance... Of course, they have to put substantial points on the board in that time as well, because BYU is known for their strong, second-half 'score fests'.
Also of great importance (and something to elaborate on later) is the control of the forward pack. Everyone has had access to footage of the BYU Rugby team in action this season, so I don't think I'm sharing some great secret here: BYU's scrums, line-outs, and mauls (that is, the few even executed this year) haven't been overly dominant as in previous years. They aren't pushovers by any means, but in terms of execution, not the most solid... so here again the opposition has potential for an advantage on BYU if they've got a solid forward unit.
There, no harm done; I'm just honestly hoping to see more real competition in the upcoming Sweet 16 matches than that witnessed in BYU's regular season. I offer my congratulations and good luck wishes to all the teams in the Sweet 16 this weekend; you deserve it, and may the best teams win!
And to all devoted BYU Rugby fans, now's the time to really get crazy! Now's when we really need to show everyone that we believe in our team, that we want a National Title this year!
And to Our boys, we'll be cheering and hoping and praying for your great success! Do us proud and play unselfishly as the team that we know you to be: BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
Of course, with the Sweet 16 upon us next weekend, I now wish to use these critiques as a sort of springboard into my expectations, hopes, worries, and etc. for BYU's first tournament match against Dartmouth and potential, subsequent matches. So hang on; this deluge of spontaneity may very well result in my longest post to date!
Here goes, folks...
Just in case you have been living under a rock the past little while or just need to hear it again, the March 28, ESPNU National Guard "Game of the Week" resulted in BYU walking away victorious once again, 66-20, over then #4-ranked rival, Utah. The deed was done before a 'more-than-sell-out' (i.e. the stands only hold about 2,400) crowd of some 3,000+ people. At halftime, BYU Rugby alumni took to the field and received a round of applause in honor of their support of the program throughout the years. After game's end, flyhalf Dylan Lubbe was recognized as the "Minute Man of the Match" with a trophy presented by National Guard representatives. In spite of the cold weather, the evening on the whole was truly momentous, a great milestone reached for the BYU Men's Rugby program and a flicker of future potential waiting to be expanded.
The following evening, BYU again graced the television spotlight, this time in the nation's first-ever, live college rugby broadcast made available through BYU-TV. Although the 'victim of the night', Utah State, eventually managed to get on the board with a penalty kick, BYU's relentless offense and defense didn't allow any real room for hope, racking up a massive 111-3 win. What's more, BYU's score might have been even greater had the referee not stopped the match with 10+ minutes left on the clock. Bottom line: BYU dominated on all sides, no matter whom they put on the field. Freshman winger/fullback Jordan Lowry was capped "Man of the Match" after recording a hat trick of tries. All in all, it was a fun game to watch and surely a rewarding final home game in which to play, especially for the seniors.
BYU showed great depth and potency on offense, with several players scoring (many of them, secondary)... There's no doubt that this year's team is much deeper than last year's, especially with the great stock of freshman talent that has performed quite well. Nevertheless, I don't wish to dwell on a match that obviously did not present Our boys with a true test...
Instead, let's take a look at the somewhat more competitive, BYU vs. Utah game and its implications for BYU's National Title hopes...
For starters, I have to admit that I felt somewhat disappointed with BYU's level of play. Yes, it was a cold night, literally, but the team really looked 'cold' emotionally as well. I really thought all the players would be completely fired up. I thought they would be overcome with excitement to play in a televised match in front of a massive crowd. And if nothing at all, I thought they would be pumped to again prove that the rival Utes were no match for them... hmmm...
What did I see instead? I saw a lot of individual efforts that resulted in sloppy play, ridiculous penalties, and momentum-killing decisions... not to mention the called-back tries. Our boys seemed rather complacent out there on the pitch, looking on as one teammate would grab the ball and bowl forward by himself, the rest sluggishly waiting until the defense got the best of him before finally committing to support. Slow start maybe??? I hope that's the only explanation, because I'd go so far as to say that the apathy displayed in the first half was inexcusable and inexplicable... perhaps even juvenile. Let's just say that such unsupported efforts will not go unpunished in tests against more solid teams (e.g. Cal with their infamous ability to quickly poach the ball from rucks).
At least the second half was a different story: BYU turned up the energy in the backline to nullify Utah's respectable but insufficient forwards' push. I think Utah realized too late their potential to advance the ball by keeping it in the forwards. Still, their efforts weren't too pretty, and I was actually surprised to see them score as they did...
I sincerely believe that BYU could have won 80-0 if they had played with heart as a TEAM from the 'get go'... Most Utah scoring opportunities were the result of BYU gifts anyway (or penalties, whatever you want to call them). Yes, the game ended well for BYU, but... maintaining control and momentum from the start is a surer bet.
And after all these my critiques, my 'coulda-woulda-shouldas', BYU still won handily by 46 points... just the sound of it almost seems to render my words hollow. But I dare any man on the BYU Rugby team to play with the same apathy in a match against Cal... see if you can do so and still hang on to even a thread of hope for victory...
No, better yet, don't even entertain the thought of doing so (I'm being brutally sarcastic after all); instead, just talk to any of Our boys who have experienced Cal's style of play in past tournaments, and see if they would be willing to support such unsupportiveness... my guess is that they wouldn't. So what's it going to take to be successful? I mean, Cal will lose to BYU... it's only a matter of when... So what then will set this 2009 BYU Rugby team apart as deserving of the National Title?
Just one word: team. That's right, I said, "TEAM"! No one doubts BYU's depth, strength, speed, or skill. Nobody denies their great potential for success in the National Spotlight. But getting over that final hump is going to require a lot more than some highly-talented individuals only coming together at game time, hoping for collective success. No, ultimate success will only come as a result of an emphasis on team first and foremost... i.e., team attitude, team concerns, team weaknesses, team morale, team potential, team strengths, team fitness, team friendship, team support, team leadership, team effort, team synergy, team success... Are you sick of hearing it yet??? GOOD! I'm glad! Because I'm sick of watching a more dynamic, more talented side lose to the same team each year!!!
It's business time, baby! The Sweet 16 is here! You're already going, but it's time for one final tweak... I say, "do whatever it takes to execute as a team." Take Cal's game to them and to everyone! Give them a taste of their own medicine! Don't think you're going to individually break them; instead, tighten up your collective defense, establish your collective offense, and don't give in to the mind games!
You must realize, my friends, that Steve St. Pierre won't win the National Championship... Shaun Davies and Dylan Lubbe won't win the National Championship... Paul Lasike won't win the National Championship...
Only the collective BYU RUGBY TEAM stands a solid chance of taking the National Title for the first time! And all the potential is there... believe it!
Now for those of you readers, if any, who managed to get this far and are still wondering where my great breakdown is for BYU's game plan against Dartmouth or Navy or Arkansas State... well, guess what? I just gave it all to you! BYU has already proved their dominion over the competition throughout this '09 season. By kicking things up that last notch, to solidly execute as a team, BYU will surely have success over their opposition in these first two rounds of championship play. I can't see why they wouldn't...
I recently discussed with my father the distinguishing features of this year's BYU squad over previous years. I cited the BYU vs. Wyoming game (a 73-3 win) as a revealing example of the team's 'new' speed and assertiveness; in that match, it appeared that every BYU player was relentless in attacking both sides of the ball, especially the offensive. In reply to this assessment, my father essentially replied, "So it's as if BYU has 15 backs out on the field?" ... Yeah... Oh yeah!
Finally, I wish to end here by saying something to you... no, not you the players, not you the fans, but you the competition... If you don't believe anything I've written here, then as the song says, "you've got another thing comin'!" Seriously, folks... all through the season I have given BYU's competitors fair and ample consideration (e.g. the above-mentioned); I have even seriously worried over some. And yet, BYU has dismantled these teams, even when not playing to full potential.
Now, though ill-advised these words might be (as given freely to our competition), I would like to offer a few tidbits of counsel. I'm not trying to sound defiant or derogatory to anyone; I simply wish to say that BYU has lived up to their hype this season, and one should not deny the fact. Basically, BYU is fast, aggressive, strong, and dynamic... many players posses skills not inherently bestowed by the American style of rugby. For example, scrumhalf Shaun Davies is not just quick, but often can fake and shed opponents in ways not commonly seen. If you're simply hoping to beat BYU offensively, then you'd better bring a super, high-powered offense or you won't be able to cut it!
My best advice is, rather, that a solid, unbending defense might be the key to break BYU this year. A team who can manage to stifle their repeated attacks in the first half may stand a chance... Of course, they have to put substantial points on the board in that time as well, because BYU is known for their strong, second-half 'score fests'.
Also of great importance (and something to elaborate on later) is the control of the forward pack. Everyone has had access to footage of the BYU Rugby team in action this season, so I don't think I'm sharing some great secret here: BYU's scrums, line-outs, and mauls (that is, the few even executed this year) haven't been overly dominant as in previous years. They aren't pushovers by any means, but in terms of execution, not the most solid... so here again the opposition has potential for an advantage on BYU if they've got a solid forward unit.
There, no harm done; I'm just honestly hoping to see more real competition in the upcoming Sweet 16 matches than that witnessed in BYU's regular season. I offer my congratulations and good luck wishes to all the teams in the Sweet 16 this weekend; you deserve it, and may the best teams win!
And to all devoted BYU Rugby fans, now's the time to really get crazy! Now's when we really need to show everyone that we believe in our team, that we want a National Title this year!
And to Our boys, we'll be cheering and hoping and praying for your great success! Do us proud and play unselfishly as the team that we know you to be: BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
BYU Rugby Interviews
Take a moment and listen to these great interviews recorded by BYU-TV's Jarom Jordan featuring Head Coach David Smyth, Team Captain Steve St. Pierre, Scrumhalf Shaun Davies, and Center Paul Lasike.
Also, if you have not yet had a chance to see the BYU vs. Utah State game, click this link and select "College Rugby" in the 7:30 pm time slot for March 28, 2009.
Read more...
Also, if you have not yet had a chance to see the BYU vs. Utah State game, click this link and select "College Rugby" in the 7:30 pm time slot for March 28, 2009.
Read more...
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wasatch Cup 2009: Thoughts
Well, folks... I don't even know where to begin. Seriously, I don't... I was actually about to post some pregame thoughts and predictions early Saturday morning, but I'm glad I didn't! I had thought that a match-up between the #2 and #4 teams in the nation would have been crazy enough to call, but what to think, say, or do when both of these are the BYU and Utah rugby teams???
And what a sweet game it was against Utah! Our boys mopped them up like never before... 59-15! Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and staff on this fantastic win over Utah! (What happened to Utah anyway?)
In previous Wasatch Cup meetings, tensions have run pretty high for the duration of the entire game; it's just a given fact, regardless of either team's record, talent, standing, and etc. And the scoreboard usually reflects such (e.g. the 2007 Wasatch Cup match at Utah, a 21-20 win for BYU).
This time around, however, the game was rather tense for only the first twenty minutes or so. A lot of flip-flopping from missed tackles, bad passes/knock-ons, and overcommitments allowed for some scoring on both sides of the ball. But after that point, BYU took Utah to the clinic... really... five tries to none in the second half is about as demoralizing as it gets!
I don't mean to say that BYU looked perfect throughout the rest of the game, but they decisively stuck it to the Utah defense with coordinated passing plays and a touch of the usual, make-you-miss juking. BYU's backline stole the spotlight with great plays by Dylan Lubbe, Paul Lasike, Vito Qaqa, and Manti Su'a. Mention must also be made of freshman Jordan Lowry who, coming into the game late in the second half, found paydirt in the endzone off a fast break play. Way to be in the right place, at the right time!
As for the forwards, I was rather surprised to not see much intensity or outstanding play. Now, some would argue that the forwards aren't supposed to be the stars of the show anyway, but I always have high expectations of the BYU pack. They have always delivered a solid performance by dominating the tackling and rucking, controlling scrums and line-outs, and often creating scoring opportunities among themselves. And from my perspective, one of the greatest displays of BYU might and intimidation has always been the rolling maul, the 'bread and butter' of the BYU forwards in past years...
In this test, however, the BYU forwards seemed to be playing a bit passively, never establishing dominance on any facet of play. Rucks were rather haphazard; scrums were driven back every time; line-outs looked uncoordinated; and mauls were nowhere to be seen. (How did Utah not capitalize on these shortcomings?)
Now, to avoid the appearance of complete ignorance, I must say that many of these facts could very well have been justified. At the very least, tackling was solid for the most part. And I recall hearing that a new rule in college rugby concerning rolling mauls effectually limits their effectiveness (hence BYU not depending on them anymore). Perhaps the fact that no one forward really stood out actually indicates a solid group effort that allowed numerous opportunities for the backs to shine and take the glory. All in all, not bad fellas... but let's tighten it up before tournament time, eh?
Last but not least, I must make my first ever, match MVP designation: Shaun Davies. The 'squirrely' scrumhalf kept everyone on their toes (especially Utah!) by effectively managing the ball between forwards and backs, creating holes in the defense, and making wise decisions when personally handling the ball... all while going 9 for 9 on kicks and conversions! (Pssst, don't tell the football team!) Talk about the right day to be spot on! Congratulations to Shaun Davies, my nomination for the 2009 Wasatch Cup MVP.
With all this success, the temptation to become complacent creeps in... but I say, modifying the famous words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never let up!" BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
And what a sweet game it was against Utah! Our boys mopped them up like never before... 59-15! Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and staff on this fantastic win over Utah! (What happened to Utah anyway?)
In previous Wasatch Cup meetings, tensions have run pretty high for the duration of the entire game; it's just a given fact, regardless of either team's record, talent, standing, and etc. And the scoreboard usually reflects such (e.g. the 2007 Wasatch Cup match at Utah, a 21-20 win for BYU).
This time around, however, the game was rather tense for only the first twenty minutes or so. A lot of flip-flopping from missed tackles, bad passes/knock-ons, and overcommitments allowed for some scoring on both sides of the ball. But after that point, BYU took Utah to the clinic... really... five tries to none in the second half is about as demoralizing as it gets!
I don't mean to say that BYU looked perfect throughout the rest of the game, but they decisively stuck it to the Utah defense with coordinated passing plays and a touch of the usual, make-you-miss juking. BYU's backline stole the spotlight with great plays by Dylan Lubbe, Paul Lasike, Vito Qaqa, and Manti Su'a. Mention must also be made of freshman Jordan Lowry who, coming into the game late in the second half, found paydirt in the endzone off a fast break play. Way to be in the right place, at the right time!
As for the forwards, I was rather surprised to not see much intensity or outstanding play. Now, some would argue that the forwards aren't supposed to be the stars of the show anyway, but I always have high expectations of the BYU pack. They have always delivered a solid performance by dominating the tackling and rucking, controlling scrums and line-outs, and often creating scoring opportunities among themselves. And from my perspective, one of the greatest displays of BYU might and intimidation has always been the rolling maul, the 'bread and butter' of the BYU forwards in past years...
In this test, however, the BYU forwards seemed to be playing a bit passively, never establishing dominance on any facet of play. Rucks were rather haphazard; scrums were driven back every time; line-outs looked uncoordinated; and mauls were nowhere to be seen. (How did Utah not capitalize on these shortcomings?)
Now, to avoid the appearance of complete ignorance, I must say that many of these facts could very well have been justified. At the very least, tackling was solid for the most part. And I recall hearing that a new rule in college rugby concerning rolling mauls effectually limits their effectiveness (hence BYU not depending on them anymore). Perhaps the fact that no one forward really stood out actually indicates a solid group effort that allowed numerous opportunities for the backs to shine and take the glory. All in all, not bad fellas... but let's tighten it up before tournament time, eh?
Last but not least, I must make my first ever, match MVP designation: Shaun Davies. The 'squirrely' scrumhalf kept everyone on their toes (especially Utah!) by effectively managing the ball between forwards and backs, creating holes in the defense, and making wise decisions when personally handling the ball... all while going 9 for 9 on kicks and conversions! (Pssst, don't tell the football team!) Talk about the right day to be spot on! Congratulations to Shaun Davies, my nomination for the 2009 Wasatch Cup MVP.
With all this success, the temptation to become complacent creeps in... but I say, modifying the famous words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never let up!" BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
BYU vs. Penn State photos
Many other great photos of BYU's impressive win, as well as the Seconds' win over Boise State, may be found at the following links (courtesy of Paul Meyers):BYU vs. Penn State
BYU Second XV vs. Boise State
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The fall of Stanford
I poached the following quote from the BYU Rugby Website:
“I was less impressed with this game than theDavis
And yet, my friends, the final score was BYU 64, Stanford 7... hmmm...
Two observations struck me upon reading the article posted on the team website.
First, scrumhalf Shaun Davies scored four tries in the match, two per half. Although others obviously scored, I get the impression that individual efforts were strong but not very well unified into a solid team effort. Scoring by building solid phase upon solid phase is one thing; individuals spying weak spots and alone capitalizing on them is good rugby but not the best rugby... granted, however, stringing stable phases together against a competitive team is an extra tall order to fill no matter who you are.
But if history is any indicator, I can guarantee the BYU Men's Rugby team will only grow stronger, smarter, and more unified with time.
Second, I thought it would be interesting to compare the time intervals between scores to see what the numbers had to say... Here they are: match start, 15 min., 7 min., 6 min., 7 min., 2 min., 5 min., 6 min., 5 min., 6 min., 6 min., 8 min., 7 min. to end of match. Well, the numbers look pretty consistent across the board with an average time interval of just under 7 minutes between scores. Of course, the interesting number, then, is the first interval of 15 minutes, twice that of almost every other interval in the list.
While I realize that my statistical analysis is rudimentary at best, nevertheless I can explain the 15 minute scoring drought by simply drawing on my own rugby experience. When you face a team that doesn't break at first strike, the nerves and jitters (or whatever you want to call pregame anxiety), do not dissipate in any way. Instead, they continue to turn your stomach and play with your mind until you finally do score, and then score again, and then again. These feelings breed mistakes, confusion, and frustration every time, and only a solid effort allows one to get past them...
So, as much as I hate to say this, the 'BYU stumbling block' persists as in seasons past, with pregame stresses resulting in slow and uncoordinated starts. I suppose this phenomenon is normal and to be expected... but all of us fans get such a rush when witnessing complete domination from kickoff that I secretly hope for it every time! (the complete domination part, that is...)
Maybe this season will prove different... just maybe!
Now, to finalize my superficial meanderings, I must simply say that this test still represents a solid win... A 64-7 victory over the 23rd-ranked team ain't exactly chicken feed! It's more like a complete hammering, say, in comparison to anything the BYU football team has put up! (ok, that was low, but who's comparing?)
Suffice it to say that we BYU Rugby fans have become jaded with the team's great success in the past... and thus expect great success forever in the future. Great expectations, my friends, of BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
“I was less impressed with this game than the
And yet, my friends, the final score was BYU 64, Stanford 7... hmmm...
Two observations struck me upon reading the article posted on the team website.
First, scrumhalf Shaun Davies scored four tries in the match, two per half. Although others obviously scored, I get the impression that individual efforts were strong but not very well unified into a solid team effort. Scoring by building solid phase upon solid phase is one thing; individuals spying weak spots and alone capitalizing on them is good rugby but not the best rugby... granted, however, stringing stable phases together against a competitive team is an extra tall order to fill no matter who you are.
But if history is any indicator, I can guarantee the BYU Men's Rugby team will only grow stronger, smarter, and more unified with time.
Second, I thought it would be interesting to compare the time intervals between scores to see what the numbers had to say... Here they are: match start, 15 min., 7 min., 6 min., 7 min., 2 min., 5 min., 6 min., 5 min., 6 min., 6 min., 8 min., 7 min. to end of match. Well, the numbers look pretty consistent across the board with an average time interval of just under 7 minutes between scores. Of course, the interesting number, then, is the first interval of 15 minutes, twice that of almost every other interval in the list.
While I realize that my statistical analysis is rudimentary at best, nevertheless I can explain the 15 minute scoring drought by simply drawing on my own rugby experience. When you face a team that doesn't break at first strike, the nerves and jitters (or whatever you want to call pregame anxiety), do not dissipate in any way. Instead, they continue to turn your stomach and play with your mind until you finally do score, and then score again, and then again. These feelings breed mistakes, confusion, and frustration every time, and only a solid effort allows one to get past them...
So, as much as I hate to say this, the 'BYU stumbling block' persists as in seasons past, with pregame stresses resulting in slow and uncoordinated starts. I suppose this phenomenon is normal and to be expected... but all of us fans get such a rush when witnessing complete domination from kickoff that I secretly hope for it every time! (the complete domination part, that is...)
Maybe this season will prove different... just maybe!
Now, to finalize my superficial meanderings, I must simply say that this test still represents a solid win... A 64-7 victory over the 23rd-ranked team ain't exactly chicken feed! It's more like a complete hammering, say, in comparison to anything the BYU football team has put up! (ok, that was low, but who's comparing?)
Suffice it to say that we BYU Rugby fans have become jaded with the team's great success in the past... and thus expect great success forever in the future. Great expectations, my friends, of BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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