U18 Boys Work to Formulate a Team as First Game Looms
U18 Boys Work to Formulate a Team as First Game Looms
Five sessions are in the books for the USA U18 Boys as they prepare for their first match of a three-game tour of South America.
Live Stream of the game July 6 10AM ET>>
There is not a ton of time before Sunday's first match, so the coaching staff is working hard to make sure everyone is on the same page.
"We've had five sessions so far, installing and refining all the major blocks of our philosophy, strategy, and tactics and how it ties into our identity and the American rugby model laid forth by Scott," said Head Coach Dom Wareing. "Scott" of course is USA 15s Head Coach Scott Lawrence. "It's a great, hard working group with a real sense of camaraderie that's allowing everyone to contribute and make their voices heard in a collaborative manner."
That's crucial. This group of players from disparate backgrounds has to become a team very quickly. That responsibility falls on everyone, but certainly on the leadership group.
Above: Dom Wareing huddles up with the players.
Then, on the field, the coaches' job is to find out which players fit where.
"We have 28 quality players that each bring their own unique strengths, which when combined with our clear vision and purpose will allow us to collectively work in unison, stay in the fight when things undoubtedly get tough and come out the other side with pride in our performance," said Wareing.
Photos provided by Andi Grossi @andigrossi on IG through the touring company taking the U18s on the trip. That would be Varsity Sports and Educations Tours, www.varsityse.com and @varsity.se
In Argentina the game is played and refereed very quickly—turnovers in the tackle are frequent because an isolated ballcarrier is expected to release immediately. GRR asked Wareing about how his team will adjust to this.
He's experienced with this.
"It's the job of every defense in rugby to put the attack under pressure in every area of the game." Wareing told GRR. "We've got our goals and roles at the breakdown that should help negate any tactics the opposing team should implement and help us generate quick ball and keep on the front foot. If we can play through, around and over the other team then there shouldn't be too many opportunities for them to slow the ball down."
