Flash back to the final play of the University’s football game against Texas A&M on Saturday. Now, imagine that play on repeat for 80 straight minutes, with the only reprise coming during a 10-minute halftime.
That picture of controlled chaos resembles an LSU rugby match.
LSU’s club rugby A-team has been practicing this controlled chaos since the early 1970s. The club is enjoying a 3-1 start to the season and heads into Southeastern Conference play full of confidence.
“I have found that when we have a successful fall season, it leads to a successful spring season,” said Allen Alongi, club recruiting chairman and co-captain. “It allows us to test our depth, try out new plays and work on different game patterns.”
During the early season SEC “7’s” tournament, — seven SEC teams participate — the Tigers fought their way to a 4-1 tournament record, using both senior players and players newer to the roster.
Alongi — who plays Flyhalf, a position comparable to quarterback — was named to the All-Tournament team after the tournament held Oct. 13.
Alongi leads the Tigers in scoring this year and is the reigning SEC scoring champion. He maintained his prolific scoring form by developing into an ace kicker.
After every score, or try, a player must kick the “extra point” from wherever the try was scored, leading to interesting angles and tougher kicks. A player can also attempt a kick during live play from anywhere on the field.
“As opposed to football, rugby kickers are fully involved with every aspect of the game,” Alongi said. “Tackling, rucking, scoring and running with the ball: I may be winded but still have to take the kick.”
The Tigers lynchpin going into SEC play is their stout defense. During the “7’s” tournament the team held its opponents under 20 points in each game.
“We focus on team success much more than individual success when it comes to defense,” said A-team player Jarrett Gartin. “We always look to improve our defense by working on our fundamentals and fitness.”
In rugby, the physical exertion on any given play is comparable to football, but the level of conditioning is higher.
“Most players will play a full 80-minute game compared to 10-15 minutes per football game,” Gartin said. “The only break is halftime, so as the game wears on, your body is put through tremendous stress with little time to rest.”
Behind the scoring of Alongi and their stout defense, the Tigers look to continue their stellar play into the SEC portion of the schedule.
“We have played some real gritty games so far this semester, but the rest of the semester is our toughest stretch in a while.” Alongi said. “But I have no doubt in my mind that we are a force to be reckoned with, so I’m excited to see how our level improves come spring time.”
