Hey you American, you're going to cheer for the Eagles right?!

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!

Good for the Game/Bad for the Game

Top 3 good and bad things that have happened recently in rugby.

Good for the Game:

1. All Blacks v USA: Finally a big (if not the biggest) rugby nation will be coming to American soil! Not only will this be a much needed money making opportunity for USA Rugby but it has potential to draw a lot off needed attention to the game here at home. They have selected the right venue (historic Soldier Field) and city (Chicago) for such a match to be hugely successful and I hope everyone will want to be a part of it.

2. Twitter: We've all seen the tweet between Salesi Maafu and Tom Young after their dust up. In a nut shell Young wished Maafu and his Northampton squad luck while joking about a punch he took from the Saints prop. Maafu responded with an apology and that he owed his friend a beer for his actions. While this same act has been repeated since the beginning of the game, between teams and players, never has it been put into the public spotlight where people outside the game could see the culture of the sport.

3. The USA Men's Summer Test: Not long ago we as rugby fans would be hard pressed to see our boys play matches within their home boarders. Even then it was against a fellow minnow or a larger nations 'B' team. But this summer boast three matches against World Cup qualified teams who will be bringing the full arsenal of their rosters. As always, the Houston test against Scotland will be a good time with several rugby events leading up to the match itself. Check the schedule here and get your tickets.

Bad for the Game:

1. Bryan Habana's Theatrical performance during the Heineken Cup Final: Come on Bryan! Referee Alian Rolland was right for telling you it wasn't the time or the place for that soccer nonsense. Clearly the South African wing has spent to much time in France as that can be the only reason to explain his softness and need to be dramatic during Europe's finest rugby match.

2. England's Selection Policy: I get it, I really do, you want to keep your talent at home. I can understand why southern hemisphere teams drop stars for going to the cash flooded northern hemisphere. They are thousand of miles away and aren't playing in the local (better) competition. But, the exclusion of Toulon flanker Steffon Armitage from the England squad is criminal. He plays his rugby in France which can literally be seen from England on a clear day. He also just picked up the award for the top European player this morning yet he is sitting at home for England's summer test series.

3. Jonny Wilkinson Retirement: This is more for sentimental reasons as Wilko is a helluva player that had nothing left to prove. I remember being a freshman in college and watching him hit that drop goal in the final that propelled him into super stardom. But, what impressed me more was the work ethic that went into that kick. A man can be judged by the work he does away from the eyes of the public and Jonny was the standard for that. He will no doubt leave a huge gap in the culture of our great sport.