Leadership, Big Talent Driving Panthers RAN Success
Leadership, Big Talent Driving Panthers RAN Success
The USA South team at the RAN U19s is happy with the start of the tournament—two wins and no tries allowed—but there is work to do.
Two Wins for USA South U19s at RAN Tournament Day 1
Kansas City Junior Blues standout Aidan Chavez has been doing what he's been doing all season, and that is bouncing between scrumhalf and fullback and causing problems from both positions. At fullback, you don't want to kick to him because he's secure under the ball and dangerous in space. At scrumhalf he does the basics well and if you give him any space at all he will run on you and beat you.
Already he has scored what many expect to be the try of the tournament, a weaving inventive run vs Cayman Islands.
Nick Orefice has been good and AYR War Eagle products Nick Morgan and Dylan Forbes-Roberts have both caused defenses trouble.
Alex Schenke has been dominant in the lineout, winning his own and stealing many opposition throws. Cayman Islands, a dangerous team with ball in hand, had trouble getting the ball in their hands.
Trinidad & Tobago was more physical, but the South players handled them well enough.
With the team assembling quickly, leadership is hugely important and Morgan stands strong as the backs captain while Max Buckingham was emerged as a key leader as the forwards captain.
John Dardis is the overall squad captain and he is also the goalkicker. And in the warm, dry air and altitude in Querétaro (it's a little more than a mile above sea level), he is making kicks from long range, getting one over from 60 meters.
"Teams know they have to be disciplined against us," said assistant coach Sam Enari. "because Dardis can punish them."
Next up Thursday is Bermuda, which has been playing well and is tough from the back of the scrum, and Mexico, which has been incharacteristically vulnerable and likely won't make the top two.
