An emotional experience
The USA Eagles’ RWC opener against Ireland was a very emotional affair. Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano writes about the build-up to that match in the latest of his World Cup playing diaries…
Hi all,
WOW! What a last few days! It’s been intense, emotional and exciting. Our opening World Cup game was played on September 11 against Ireland.
I am sure everyone knows how significant this day is…
The day started off with a memorial service at St Andrew’s Church in New Plymouth. The USA ambassador, US Marines and the New Plymouth Fire Station were part of the ceremony. The marines brought in the US flag and the firefighters brought in the New Zealand flag. It was very emotional with a few of the boys getting rather teary, especially when the 10 bells were rung after a minutes silence.
A few of our team members had friends or were family friends with people who passed away in the 9/11 attacks, so emotions were high.
The NYFD were very kind to shoot an inspirational video for us, and again the boys were emotional. These guys were going through a very sad and stressful time, yet they took the time out for us and we were very appreciative. We were shown a list of how many rugby-playing members of the US fraternity passed in the attacks and it was staggering. It’s amazing how far rugby reaches in the world.
The motivation was there but what would be very difficult was to not let the emotion bubble over and cloud our thinking. It was a late kick-off, so there was a lot of time for emotions to stew, but I must commend our boys as they held their nerve against a very strong Irish side.
It was a great defensive effort on a very cold and windy evening and we went into the sheds at half-time 0-10 down. The second half was the same as the first half, with resolute defence and we went down 10-22 in the end.
It was great effort by the boys and the guys are really excited to get on it and continue our World Cup campaign.
Until next time,
JJ
* Follow the USA Eagles online at www.USARugby.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/usarugby
* UCT loose forward – and Varsity Cup product – JJ Gagiano made his USA Eagles debut in November 2008. Follow his Rugby World Cup story on rugby365.com!
* Read JJ’s previous diary entry, HERE!
