By this point we have all seen the blog to not wear the fern at the USA v All Blacks game next Saturday. I agree with it, I think that stadium should be top to bottom red, white and blue. I also read the comment section and was bothered by how many people dislike the Eagles for this, that and the other. One comment really struck a cord with me, "I don't have a reason to cheer for the USA". That really grinds my gears, what does that even, 'you don't have a reason'!?! If you are like that person, here are 3 good reasons why you should be wearing a USA Kit come November 1st.
1. You're a red blooded, flag waving, star spangle banner loving American!
No, I hate to tell you this, you're not Irish, or Italian, or any other foreign nationality you claim to be. If you're mother birthed your beautiful mug in an America hospital you are 100% American. Bottom line. Embrace it, celebrate it for all the majestic bad assery it is."But, we aren't good at the rugbys."
Duh.
This isn't about winning, this is about backing something bigger than you, and creating something that could impact our sport FOREVER. We need to create hype my friend! That is something this sport desperately needs to be noticed in the American sporting conscious and there is no better way to do this then to make it look like the stadium is packed full of American loving rugby fans!
2. You have more in common with those Eagle's on the field than those All-Blacks.
A large portion of that team are still 9-5'ers, like you, they go away on weekend trips for their club team and miss birthdays, work, social events, just like you. They do not get thousands of dollars to play, a sporting good store worth of free kit, or any of the other perks that the All-Blacks collect every tour. Most likely you've played against some of the Eagles, recently, in our club season. How many New Zealanders can say that about the AB's? Which leads me to the next point...3. The Upset
No, its not crazy talk, but an honest to god possibility. It is always a possibility, its why sports are the greatest form of reality television because sometimes it is better than any script. You can also call on the 1980 USA Hockey team as a great example. They were smoked by the Ruskies before that event, but then suddenly they came out like freedom loving Americans and got the W when it counted. Sure, the Soviets would have beaten us 9 out of 10 times but to be apart of that 1 magical game, as a player or fan, is why you should be rooting for the Eagles. Think about it, its the 79th minute and the USA is holding onto a very slim lead, the All-Blacks clearly aren't themselves ( a case of the flu possibly), or the combination of playing in a NFL stadium, the cold lake Michigan wind and loud American crowd (We do beat every country in the 'ear drum bursting loud crowd' department). Then you hear it, the final whistle, and solider field erupts into pandemonium. You look around, all of your fellow Americans are celebrating like its NYE and then there is you, dressed in black. In the true spirit of rugby people will offer you their condolences "good game, the sun shines on the dog's ass every now and again, it was a fluke, it won't ever happen again in our lifetime*" and then you will have to look at the ground, jam your hands in your pockets, and awkwardly explain that you're an American rugby player and you've never been happier too, all while avoiding eye contact. Don't be that guy...
Most likely the eagles will lose this game, I know it, they know it and so do you. If this was a club game, fine root for the winner with the bigger and better roster but this isn't a club game. This is America and you are an American rugby player damnit! These are your brothers from the pitch and they need you to just bring it in Chicago!
