The Hay's in the Barn, So To Speak
The Hay's in the Barn, So To Speak
The hay's in the barn, is what USA Coach Rob Cain said if he knew the idiom.
It basically means you have got to do your work at training and then the game takes care of itself. And that's what Cain said as the USA announced its lineup to face a formidable Italy side Saturday (or Sunday, depending where you are) in the Rugby World Cup 2021 (or 2022 depending on how you look at it).
“To be honest, all the hard work is done," said Cain. "They are a wonderful group and we have a lot of faith and trust in them. They work exceptionally hard and now it’s just up to us as coaches to make sure that we just refine the things that we need to alongside the player leadership and that we’re in a good place come kickoff. “The [selection] decisions have been really hard since we’ve had our extended preparation time in Atlanta. And they keep on getting harder every day, which is a nice position to be in, especially as everyone has worked so hard to get to this point. Selection is very much about looking at the best group that can perform against Italy.”
And Italy won't be easy.
“They are a good team and they deserve their world ranking, although as a group we haven’t really got too caught up in the rankings," added Cain." Our journey is very different to other teams, we’ve been learning and developing, and this is really the first time we’ve looked over an extended period of time at performance and we’ve always said that the World Cup is where we want to make a statement and showcase what we can do and it’s our first opportunity to do so this weekend. We will play the USA way.”
Hitting the home stretch now.
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) October 5, 2022
v in t-minus 3 days. #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/1K0lWyWsRe
As for USA skipper Kate Zackary, it's mostly been about the anticipation.
“It’s been a really long wait and it will be an honor to walk out on to the pitch as the captain on Sunday," said Zackary. "I feel like I’ve grown a lot into the role, but I don’t want it to be the defining role for me, I still want to go out there and be the best back row I can be and be the best teammate and be part of the 23."
Zackary, too, was asked about the rankings and what they mean. Her answer was polite, like Cain's, but said the same thing: you've got to play the game regardless.
“The rankings come in and out and change so much during the year that at the end of the day it really doesn’t matter," Zackary said. "What matters is the team that shows up on Sunday is the best prepared and ready to do the dirty work when it needs to be done, who is the most clinical and makes the right choices. All eyes are on us internally. Italy is going to bring a really aggressive team, but likewise we’re going to bring a lot of fast physicality from one through 23. It’s been a few years since we saw Italy in person last, since the 2017 World Cup where we got the better end of the deal. They have improved a lot, they’ve played multiple Six Nations campaigns, they’ve professionalized, they’re team getting contracts for various players and it’s like a whole new team which is exciting.”
Eagles to Eagles
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) September 25, 2022
Sending support from across the world. pic.twitter.com/TRgiZEXOPD
And like Cain, Zackary said the Eagles just have to worry about themselves.
“Our focus is on what we offer, what our strengths and points of difference are, how fast and physical we can be and how that will translate," the captain said. "Genuinely everyone feels like they’re at home here and nothing beats that feeling when you’re preparing for one of the biggest moments in your life, that comfort of home, with or without family I think everyone feels they’re safe and comfortable here, they can be vulnerable, can prepare and ask the questions and they can be challenged and that’s what we need going into Sunday.
“It’s going to be a really exciting game and I hope everyone tunes in. We’re really happy to kick-off this weekend against Italy and we hope to make everyone proud at home.”