skip to main |
skip to sidebar
In the wake of the BYU Rugby team's first National Championship win, BYU Rugby Forever continues the "Interview of the Week" series; this week's guest is BYU's starting winger, Manti Su'a. Although Manti was unable to play in the final against Cal due to injury, nevertheless his efforts throughout the season, as well as in tournament play, helped propel BYU to the top after all was said and done. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)
BYU Rugby Forever:
How has being a member of the BYU Rugby team impacted your life? your future goals/plans?
Manti Su'a:
Having had the opportunity to play for the team has been a huge blessing. From a scholastic point of view, I learned very early that I would have to plan out my week in advance and learn how to effectively balance my schedule and use my time wisely. From a long-term perspective, it helped me to figure out which direction I want my life to go and how to set and accomplish goals to ensure I get there. I went to the finals three times with my team; two of those times we came up short in the end. Each season took a lot self-evaluation and introspection. I’d ask myself, “what aren’t you doing to make this team better?” Once I knew what I needed to do, it was just a matter of implementing it into every training session and every game.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you?
Manti Su'a:
The first moment that comes to mind was against Arkansas State in the round of 8. It was an all out battle from the second the match started. At the half we were losing (which I think was the first time we’d been down at the half all season), and I was pretty frustrated. When the second half started, I glanced over at our inside center Tupu and he was staring at me just laughing! I was so caught off guard that I started cracking up too! That little exchange calmed me down and gave me back my confidence. Minutes later my “baby” brother Mikey got the ball and ran hard and strong right at Arkansas State, laying a couple of their boys out. After that, the intensity went through the roof and the rest was history.
Another memorable moment was when we played the University of Utah at home on South Field. The game was being covered by ESPNU, the stadium was packed, and it seemed like our team was totally in sync. With about ten seconds left in the game, our backs got the ball and attacked from about twenty meters out. I got the ball on the wing after our fullback, Sam Thorley, made an amazing pass which allowed me to score. All I remember was how loud the stadium got. It was pretty crazy!
BYU Rugby Forever:
You were injured in the Big Four match against San Diego State. What exactly happened, and how are you feeling now?
Manti Su'a:
Late in the first half, we kicked the ball straight out from a kick-off. There was a little confusion on the field that resulted in one of the players from San Diego State with a break-away run down the sideline. I chased him down and dove to tackle him, and in the process I got kicked in the face resulting in a broken nose and some eye damage. I had to have some minor surgery that night which kept me sidelined for the finals. It was a bummer that I couldn’t play in the finals, but I was really proud of our true freshman, wing Jordan Lowry, for stepping up to the challenge and playing amazing in the championship. I’m doing a lot better now, except when I asked the doctor if he could do anything about the ugliness in my face, he replied that the unattractiveness was present before the accident and unless I wanted to undergo some serious surgical procedures, I’d be stuck with this face forever. I happily declined.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Some fans don't know that starting prop 'Big Mikey' is your younger brother. Did that relationship affect or influence your performance on the field?
Manti Su'a:
It really did. It’s a huge confidence builder knowing that I’m taking the field with him. We like to get each other fired up for each game, but we also joke around and calm each other down when we need it. We’ve been playing sports together since I was in second grade and we wore the same size clothes! Over the years we’ve learned how to read each other and work together.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thoughts on the future of the BYU Rugby team? Counsel, suggestions, ideas?
Manti Su'a:
I look at the younger guys on the team and see not just talent and skill, but a good group of guys that are coachable. Apart from that, the coaching staff (Smyth, Tarawhiti, Kjar and Nadauld) are amazing at what they do. Each game we knew exactly what we were up against and what we needed to do to win. My only counsel to the future players is to listen to the coaches because they know how to win and to dedicate yourself to being the best athlete you can be (and that means not only physically, but also mentally by taking care of everything in the classroom, so when it’s time for rugby, you can focus on rugby, knowing that you’ve all ready taken care of school).
BYU Rugby Forever:
If you could say anything to all the BYU Rugby alumni and fans out there, what would you say?
Manti Su'a:
Thanks for all the support for the past three years! Playing in front of so many amazing fans made my three years of BYU rugby some of the greatest memories of my college experience. BYU rugby wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for the alumni and fans. Thanks for everything!
Read more...
After a tough day of college rugby, BYU can hang up their boots and rest for the night... or at least try to! Next up tomorrow, the BYU Rugby team will face a solid competitor in Arkansas State, a squad that boasts a strong, well-balanced lineup. Arkansas State earned the right to advance to the quarterfinals by soundly beating Navy, 50-7. Let's just say that BYU definitely has their work cut out for tomorrow's match...
The other two matches of the day resulted in Louisiana State thumping Utah, 47-5, and San Diego State burying Bowling Green, 55-12. Also of note, the (BYU) Women's Cougar Rugby team squeaked by today in Women's Division 1 play, beating Northern Iowa, 22-15.
Check the following links for the latest details on the BYU Rugby team's win over Dartmouth, as well as commentary on the other 3 matches of the day:
"BYU Slips Past Dartmouth"
"BYU Handles Dartmouth Test"
"Day 1 of Playoffs Closes for Division 1 Men & Women"
"ASU & BYU advance"
"LSU, SDSU into quarterfinals"
"Men DI College Latest"
Read more...
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...
I just received an email that the original bracket posted on Rugby America was incorrect. For the updated, correct bracket, click the following link: Collegiate Rugby Bracket Challenge. And if you haven't had a chance to do so, check out the finalized brackets, make your picks, and cheer on the BYU Rugby team in their push for yet another final appearance.
Now for some thoughts...
First off, I was really looking forward to a Final Four match-up with #3-ranked St. Mary's... the updated bracket, however, shows them back in the mix with Cal like last year's tourney (i.e. they will most likely be eliminated by Cal before getting a chance to play BYU).
Besides St. Mary's, I don't know of any other team that can truly challenge BYU in the championship (excepting Cal of course). BYU has effectively buried every ranked team that they have played this season... and that's putting it gently in some cases.
Second, the only team in BYU's bracket that BYU has already played this season is Utah... uh... yeah... so... what should I say about that? According to American Rugby News' most recent Top 25, the team that BYU twice pummeled, by 44 and 46 points respectively, is still ranked #6 in the nation... #6 in the nation, folks! Call me crazy, but why shouldn't we expect for BYU to just blow everyone away all the way up to the Final Game???
The only other teams in the bracket to have played BYU previously, in last year's tournament, are #12 Dartmouth (lost to BYU in the round of 16, 48-22) and #4 San Diego State (lost 37-14 to BYU in the round of 8). Ask anyone, and they will tell you that Dartmouth showed very well, that the score doesn't reveal how close the two teams played; and San Diego State actually played less than their potential in a match that found both sides committing several errors.
Now San Diego State is looking to get to a Final Four spot... and I'm sure Dartmouth has similar aspirations... but are they really up to it this year? Are they better than they were last year? Heaven knows they will need to be, or else they will get steamrolled by BYU! This year is different!
Say what you want, but I'm betting that the deeper, more balanced, and more aggressive BYU Rugby team of today puts the hurt on the opposition in this year's National Championship, whatever the rankings say... anything else would be truly upsetting... and I don't just mean emotionally!
Read more...
My good BYU Rugby friends and fans,
If you are not yet aware, BYU will play Utah at home this coming Friday, March 28th, at 7 PM...
This grudge match, however, isn't just the usual rivalry fixture between the Cougars and the Utes... no, this time something bigger is on the line: the chance to show up the opposition on national television!
ESPNU will be airing a tape-delayed broadcast of the match on April 7th at 7 PM, Mountain Time (assuming the BYU Rugby website has the correct info)... but who among us really wants to wait a week and a half to watch this showdown? Wouldn't you like to be there in person (maybe even get on TV) and cheer on Our boys in a noble display of your fanhood? And all you alumni, wouldn't you like to be there in person to witness the halftime tribute to your part in the BYU Rugby legacy???
I know I'm going to be there... I already went to the Marriott Center ticket office and bought the sweetest seats in the house just for the occasion! But, in talking to some dedicated fans at tonight's match, I realized that many fans not living in Provo (even our vengeful, non-BYU-fan Utes) would rather buy advance tickets online than go through the inconvenience of going to the Marriott Center or waiting in a long line at the gate...
The only problem is... the ticket office website doesn't seem to provide any easily visible or accessible way to buy tickets to the game! Hmmm... a conspiracy against the increasingly popular BYU Rugby team??? Perhaps...
But of course, that is why you need BYU Rugby Forever to save the day! I ran into the same problem when I searched for a means to buy reserved tickets earlier this week... but in checking and bumbling around the website just now, I happened upon the 'hidden' link to end all misfortune:
http://ev9.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ABYU%3AO09%3ARUG%3A&linkID=byu&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=
So there you have it... as long as you are inquisitive enough to have found and perused this blog, you now have the means necessary to join the 'BYU Rugby Super Fans' (don't worry, you'll see what I mean) at the upcoming ESPNU 'Game of the Week'!
Be there in person to support BYU's greatest sports team as they step briefly into the national spotlight... that extra bit of recognition which we have all been longing and fighting for!
Read more...
