Player Leadership Turns It Around for LSU

10.31.2024

LSU pulled off perhaps the biggest upset of D1AA rugby this fall last weekend, beating Tennessee 24-22 in the first round of the SCRC playoffs.

For the Tigers, this was their first chance to play one of the more pedigreed teams in the SCRC, so while they had been kept a secret, LSU knew the secret.

Beaten down by COVID perhaps more than other teams, in part because of their geographic isolation, LSU had more work to do to return to where they used to be.

And it took time to develop the numbers and the leadership.

"This season, veteran leadership has been a game-changer, setting a strong example for the younger players," said Head Coach Chris Riedel. "They’ve created a culture of discipline and focus that has unified the team, both in our training and in competition. They have done this by watching film, running extra sessions, and bringing a different mindset to training. In addition, they also spend a lot more time together socially off the field improving morale. I think this leadership and camaraderie has resulted in much more grit during games."

The unity off the field was a huge part of it all, because it's a good rugby culture that attracts new players. With numbers hit by COVID back in 2020 and into 2021, LSU Rugby needed numbers and enthusiasm. Once they got that, the on-field unity followed.

"While previous teams have played for themselves, I think these boys truly play for each other," said Riedel. "This is evident in how they play team defense, but also in the fact they didn't quit against Tennessee despite giving up a 12-point lead. This is in significant contrast to when we played Clemson last year and the team turned on each other because of one line break after 10 minutes of great defense."

That's not all of it. Riedel adjusted the team's schedule this year, putting aside the long trips for very tough games early in the fall. The team needed to have easier travel days and confidence-building fixtures. Those early big tests were often played before the team was fully together or before the lineup was settled.

"We had difficulty building confidence and momentum," said Reidel. "This year, we front-loaded the fall schedule with shorter trips, allowing the team to build confidence and cohesion in the initial games. By the time we hit the tougher, more demanding matches we have more chemistry and momentum."

They needed that in part because the coaching staff at LSU is quite small.

They don't technically have a dedicated forwards coach so it has actually fallen to players to help there. Captain and hooker Sam Vallejos, along with forwards captain and No. 8 Neal Geldenhuys, have been a huge help to Reidel.

"I lean on them a lot," said the coach. "Neal has been doing a lot of extra work on and off the field."

They have some on-field stars, too. Jeremy Howat scored three tries against Tennessee. Nick Piazza puts in all the dirty work and played superb defense against the Vols. In LSU's recent win over Auburn he scored three tries. Back captain Tim McGoldrick has stepped up as a leader to play flyhalf as a sophomore.

"He's been a game-changer distributing so others can get the glory," said Reidel.

His experience with the Panthers Rugby Academy in the offseason helped his development a great deal.

Several players have made key contributions in in unique ways, added Reidel. Players such as center Tyler Anclade (transfer from Southeastern Louisiana), fullback Nathan WIlliams (transfer from Alabama), lock Dan Greenway from Wales, and prop Sam Garwood.

"From shoring up our lineout, to improving our kicking game; it took a lot of players stepping up to go from losing to Tennessee by 70 to beating them."

LSU visits Clemson Saturday in the SCRC semifinals.

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