In Georgia match, Emerick joins Eagle elite

With tomorrow's start against Georgia, Paul Emerick becomes the first back to play 50 times for the United States.

Featuring 15 test tries and 3 World Cups, Emerick's international log includes matches at either midfield position, on both wings, and at fullback. Since 2001, he has been tapped by six US coaches plus a cluster of 7s Eagles head men. Vaea Anitoni and Mark Williams are among the few with comparable resumes.

Abroad, he has lined up for Ireland's Ulster, Wales' Dragons, a pair of Italian clubs, and, this past winter, England's Wasps. Not many foreigners break into the Premiership. Emerick did it at age 32, a powerful signal he is still worth his salt.

As an Iowa high schooler, Emerick earned first-team all-state honors at linebacker and also reached wrestling's championship semfinals, no mean feat in one of America's grappling hotbeds. Going on to the University of Northern Iowa, he was singled out by Jack Clark for 2001 All-American honors, joining an Ireland tour squad that also blooded Kimball Kjar and Matt Wyatt plus 7s Eagle Matt Huckaby.

In 2002, Emerick debuted at the international level, replacing another up-and-comer, David Fee, in USA A's 24-8 loss to touring Scotland. A year later, by which time Emerick had linked up with the Chicago Lions, his first cap came against Spain, as a substitute for Link Wilfley.

But in an era of domestic representative play, when competition for the national team roster was more transparent and robust, Emerick was no sure thing. After time on the sidelines, his next two games were on the wing; it wasn't until the fall's World Cup that Tom Billups decided he was ready for a starting place at 15; and by 2004 he was already out of job, through combination of injury and the emergence of Francois Viljoen.

So Emerick, with another All-American teammate, Salesi Sika, moved into midfield, joining Albert Tuipolotu as mainstays of the 2004 and 2005 campaigns. Simultaneously, he signed his first professional contract, with Italy's Amatori Catania.

In 2006 and 2007, Peter Thorburn generally preferred the now-veteran Emerick at wing. Named to his second World Cup in 2007, he was yellow carded against England for a spear (or tip) tackle, and subsequently suspended for the rest of the tournament.

Playing for Scott Johnson in 2008, he returned to outside center, where he also spent most of his time under Eddie O'Sullivan through the 2011 World Cup, his third world championship. But against Canada in 2009, he was again cited for dangerous play, in an incident that threatened to end his first-class career.

Such transgressions made him a liability for the team, and indeed, he was never likely to be remembered as America's most elegant outside back. To say that he cleaned up his act, however, infers he was once a dirty player. In fact Emerick's is a naturally rambunctious style, and a reminder that coaching helps smooth players' rough edges and otherwise better contribute to the team framework.

Long after establishing himself as an USA regular and European pro, Emerick wanted to compete for the 7s Eagles. Therein lies the genius of his career. Some players achieve distinction by becoming the best they can be. Emerick belongs more to that category of athletes who relish testing themselves against the best possible opposition, and in earning that right, themselves become great.

USARFU 'Silver Eagles'

• Mike MacDonald (66, 2000 - )
• Luke Gross (62, 1996 - 2004)
• Alec Parker (56, 1996 - 2009)
• Dave Hodges, (54, 1996 - 2005)
• Kort Schubert, (50, 2000 - 2008)
• Paul Emerick (50, 2003 - )

United States of America v Georgia
Chris Wyles (Saracens); Luke Hume (Old Blue), Paul Emerick (Wasps), Andrew Suniula (Cornish Pirates), James Paterson (Glendale Raptors); Roland Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club); Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Chris Biller (Northampton), Eric Fry (Wellington Old Boys), Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club), Bryan Doyle (New York Athletic Club), Taylor Mokate (Wellington Old Boys), Scott Lavalla (Stade Francais), Todd Clever (captain, NTT Shining Arcs)
Reserves: Derek Asbun (Oxford Univ.), Andre Liufau (L'Uson), Mike MacDonald (undeclared), Andrew Durutalo (USA 7s); Shaun Davies (Brigham Young Univ.), Will Holder (United States Military Academy), Colin Hawley (USA 7s)

Related: MacDonald, Schubert set to claim Silver Eagle honors

Comments

[Beagles]

Georgia by 12 and they dominate our pack.

[Gold Watch]

Wow, the only wholly positive article Kurt Oler has ever written, and all of a sudden Beagles chimes in with his usual line of BS.

Congrats to Paul Emerick. That is one helluva accomplishment, and he has worked hard to earn that 50th cap.

Even at 32, he's as dangerous on the field as ever. Well done!

[Realist]

Emerick is a liability and is no way going to be in the picture for 2015. He should get his 50th and be shown the exit.

[Sergeant Hulka]

Congratulations to Paul Emerick. Worthy accomplishment for a great Eagle.

Realist: you're an idiot.

[craig]

Realist, just not sure what to say- how about we let guys compete for spots, this makes us all better?

[We can't both lose.]

Not necessarily. At some point, there's nothing wrong with assuming that a guy won't still be effective for the next world cup and getting game experience and preparation to the next guy. Not saying we should do it with Emerick, and I don't really think that should be our strategy anyway (since we haven't a hope of reaching the quarters and very little hope of finishing 3rd), but it's not a ridiculous approach.

Beagles apparently hasn't been reading any message boards populated by Georgians. There seems to be considerable pessimism on their end too.

[Typical USA Rugby Registered Member's Level of Awareness of Rugby in the U.S. and Abroad (Not a Gold Mine for Marketing or Grassroots Organization)]

How could we not beat Georgia? Most of their players would come from that chiropractic college with the ugly jerseys, and they didn't even beat Cal on NBC.

If the Eagles need help, I know that me and like four guys on my club would be good enough to play for them if we got a chance. (One friendly game this year I scored a try against this team that went to "nationals" a few years ago.) And we'd crush at the boat race afterward before we teach all of you some real songs.

GIVE BLOOD PLAY RUGBY, SECOND MOST POPULAR SPORT IN THE WORLD, NO PADS, NO ONE ELSE IN THE WORLD EVEN KNOWS WHAT THE NFL IS, RUGBY IS AMATEUR AND THAT MEANS IT'S THE BLUE-COLLAR WORKING MAN'S GAME, PUNCH EACH OTHER IN THE FACE AND PARTY TOGETHER AFTERWARD IN THE THIRD HALF, DO THE HAKA, CALL EVERY CLUB FRIENDLY A "TEST" TO SHOW YOU KNOW RUGBY WORDS, YEAH!

[We can't both lose.]

Wow Lowey, you REALLY woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

[Reality]

Emerick has played his part in the history of USA rugby. Great! Time to move on and get some youth and creativity into the centers in time for 2015 RWC. This match should be Emerick's swansong to international rugby. Great job getting 50 caps, but time for you to be a coaching lifer at Life University.

[Jeremy]

Paul Emerick will go down in history as one of the most decorated American rugby players, period.

He has been a true servant to American rugby, so why don't we just say thanks to him?

I don't understand why there is so much petty club rugby crap on this blog....

[Club rugby matters]

Because club rugby is the heart of the sport everywhere. Why should international rugby be all that matters? (Other than that, good point about Emerick).

[Craig]

Well done USA Eagles!

[A nations of losers...]

Well Beagles Lowe? Feeling a little butt-hurt right now?

[Ecstatic Eagle!!!]

Great Win! I smell a 2015 RWC semi-final in the Eagles future. Tolkin surely the front runner for 2012 IRB Coach of the Year honors. Well Done!

[A nations of losers...]

I'll take that as a yes.

[Real Raptor]

I just got back from the game and although I like the win, that was some very sloppy rugby. So much so the refs (man in the center and the assistants) were flummoxed multiple times by the passes to nowhere, unfocused counter-rucks, aimless kicks, etc. The D1 men's club semis and final were better played than this match. Hate to say it, but the women's All-Star games were better rugby. Lots of work to be done.

[Reality Bites]

Media guy from the IRB Total Rugby show is in the bar here at Infinity Park and says he has done a number of pieces on the Georgia team and we played their 3rd side. Says the French club contracts lock out the best players and the IRB can not enforce the rules for the "international tours" window in June and November against tier 2 and 3 countries.

That sucks.

[Grant Cole]

It wasn't a perfect game, true. But if that is our game plan under Tolks, I am encouraged. At least we played with some pace for most of the match, led possession, and got a lot more quick ball from the breakdown.

[rugby mom]

NEWSFLASH!

Todd Clever is old enough now to look like an adult and lose the flavor savor chin flare and long hair. EMBARRASSING!

[Club rugby matters]

3rd team is quite an exaggeration, but this was definitely not the best side Georgia could have sent. The blame isn't totally due to the French clubs, though they had a role.

Silly thing on the USAR live tweet in the second half taunting the Georgians with something like "welcome to altitude". Never mind that they outscored us in the second half, but it's not like our team is a bunch of guys who live and train at altitude.

[Plastic Pasta]

I think the NYAC plays more structured and intelligent rugby than what I saw the Eagles play. A win, but Italy will make our loose play into tries.

[bruce mclane]

i think the eagles played the best game i've seen them play. isn't this a georgia team that smashed russia last week.

this is a nice platform to build from, they've made nice strides and the way they've improved in the scrum is noteworthy, lets hope they continue to grow at that rate into the italy game.

[East Coast]

According to IRB website, Georgia beat Russia in March 48 to 0 in Georgia. Georgia did beat Ukraine 33 to 3 last week. I have no idea how many players played in both the March win versus Russia and in yesteday's match with the USA.

[Delusional College Rugby]

Outside of the World Cup, there's never a guarantee of top sides facing each other. SA, AUS, and NZ have even put out their B sides during Tri-Nations matches.

The continued negativity of this blog is astounding.

[Haterz]

Seriously bro! Ya'll are going to take my moniker!

Oh, and I heard that we secretly beat the Georgian JV Women's team, they were in disguise!

[Keeping up with the Kardashians]

Did the Men's National team play?
I googled "USA Eagles", and under news, had one hit...
Come on, can't USA Rugby can do better than that?

Last night's episode of "Storage Wars" had more news coverage (6 hits).

[Grant Cole]

Only two Georgian players from the European Nations Cup matches (5) didn't make the trip to North America - Bachuki Gujaraidze & Giorgi Kalmakhelidze

Georgia Tour v US & Canada that made the European Nations Cup rosters:
1. Irakli Mirtskhulava 2. David Zirakashvili (RWC & Clermont) 3. Mikheil Nariashvili 5. Revaz Belkania 6. Shalva Mamukashvili 8. Vakhtang Maisuradze (RWC & San Nasar) 10. Beka Bitsadze 11. Giorgi Chkhaidze (RWC & Montpelier) 13. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili 14. Zviad Maisuradze 15. Irakli Abuseridze 16. Giorgi Begadze 18. Lasha Khmaladze (RWC & Lelo, Tblisi)19. Lasha Malaguradze 22. David Kacharava (RWC & Nice) 23. Merab Sharikadze 24. Lekso Gugava (RWC & Lelo, Tblisi) 25. Irakli Machkhaneli (RWC & Macon) 27. Irakli Kiasashvili 28. Beka Tsiklauri

4. Levan Chilachava 7. David Chitidze 9. Givi Berishvili (RWC & Locomotivi, Tbilisi)12. Gregory Labadze 17. Bidzina Samkharadze (RWC & Army, Tbilisi) 20. Merab Kvirikashvili (RWC & Figeac) 21. Tedore Zibzibadze (RWC & Perigueux) 26. Alexander Todua (RWC & Lelo, Tblisi)

Georgian RWC 2011 Squad that didn't make the 2012 European Nations Cup Tournament or the NA tour:
Goderdzi Svelidze (Montpellier), Davit Khinchagashvili (Brive), Vasil Kakovin, (Brive), Avksenti Giorgadze (Castres), Jaba Bregvadze (Army, Tbilisi), Davit Kubriashvili (Toulons), Viktor Kolelishvili (Clermont), Dimitri Basilaia (Aubenas), Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier), Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy), Ilia Zedginidze (Carcassone), Giorgi Nemsadze (Montoban), Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac), Irakli Abuseridze (Auxerre), Malkhaz Urjukashvili (Gourdonne), Lasha Malaghuridze (Beziers), Revaz Gigauri (Figeac), Irakli Cjkhikvadze (AIA, Kutaisi)

Obviously, some of Georgia's RWC players and French league players were available, so it stands to reason they could've made the squad. Rugby in Georgia is funded heavily by their government. International matches held at home are attended by the country's president. This is a small country that takes a lot of pride in it's durability and nationalism. It is doubtful they would field a "3rd side" on tour that would return home defeated as expected. These people EXPECT their team to win regardless of the odds.

[Canuck]

Canada is going to put 50+ points on that Georgian team.

[bruce spin]

Bruce- saying this is the best the Eagles have played is a good indication of what you don't know. Dude, did you get here last Tuesday or what. This is a second choice Georgia team. Are you such a Tolkin homer that you are going to throw away the very little credibility you have spinning a sloppy victory? Tolkin just lost to Canada with few changes to EOS team, now they win at home verses a shorthanded team. Save the hype.

[if a tree fall in the...]

What test? There was a test match played yesterday? Bullshit, I read every inch of the sports page and watched sports all day...no mention of any rugby.

[bruce mclane]

@spin i think it was a good perfromance. i enjoyed watching and its the best i've seen them play.

they lost to canada but played a better brand of rugby. it isn't hype, its an observation and while i follow international rugby in english speaking nations somewhat closely, i am unfamiliar with the power and availability of the georgian players relative to what selections the coach wanted to make.

regulation 9 in the IRB applies to all nations, so i'll assume they had available what players they were willing to invoke this over.

can't we just enjoy a well played game.

[I played drek rugby - and loved it]

So, the Eagles lose to Canada by three in their first effort since the WC so they suck. They beat Georgia by 16 - a game that "Beagles the Greek" declares will be won by the visitors by 12. But this isn't really the Georgia team. Based on the commentary it would appear to be a third grade junior side that the Georgians have sent to represent the national team so really, this win doesn't really quality. In fact it is another demonstration of how truly abysmal the Eagles are.

That about covers it I think. Right?

[Sergeant Hulka]

I thought they played a different brand of rugby than the Eagles of past. Lots of running and pop passes to keep the ball alive, and probably to avoid the Georgian pack. I enjoyed the match and thought the Eagles played well. Everyone in the bar I was in thought so too, even when Tiger Woods was teeing off at the US Open. Their heads were turning to rugby. I thought the ref had a shocker. What was the free kick he awarded to Georgia in the second half prior to the packs engaging? I didn't get any commentary.

[Not a hater.]

Hulka, I agree with most of your comments. USA played exciting rugby for a change. They took chances, and they paid off. Sure, a coulple of Georgians may not have been available, but how many of the Americans are exhausted from coming straight from competition into these matches? A win is a win.

The ref did have a shocker, but not the way you saw it. He missed multiple calls, but to the Americans advantage! We played like we wanted to win, and we're rewarded for it.

[TNA Rastling]

Real Raptor - get real. The D1A final had two Props from Belmont Shore that looked like two severely overweight and out of shape wrestlers that you'd see on at 3am on your local fox sports network. {...Will you look at that Jim Bob! Its Bubba and the Blob coming to the ring to save miss Daisy!}

I'm in agreement with most common sense people on here, the Eagles played some of their best rugby in years this weekend and I dont care who they played. This is their 2nd week together and they beat a higher ranked opponent. Give them their props, wish them luck against the Italians and move on. Stop thinking you and the D1A club fat boys could have done better. You couldn't have. period.

[Delusional College Rugby]

I'm going to post this here since RugbyMag won't approve the comment (imagine that)...

Would someone care to explain how NYAC got away with fielding an ineligible player on their roster (registered with a different club and not on NYAC's roster) at a *qualifier* this weekend?

[bruce mclane]

who was that???

[Tiger Woods]

D1A? Oh, Super League. I get it. (Insert your favorite laugh symbol here.)
I read this thing because Kurt can actually spell and knows a verb from a participle.
But the amazing quality of humor on these chains of comments is.... (ta da) laughable.

[CIPP Police]

From Rugby Mag Article:

In the backs, University of Delaware star Chris Mattina, fresh off the USA 7s Collegiate Rugby Championship, played excellently and meshed with the squad well.

Per Current Club memberships online at USAR Mr Mattina is still registered to UD and Not NYAC.

However per the email ragarding 7's championships Eligibility:

Additionally, all players competing with teams playing towards the USA Rugby Club 7s National Championship must be on their club’s roster by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Sunday, July 1. This deadline (July 1) also applies for players wishing to compete in the USA Rugby All-Star 7s National Championship.

So if his transfer paperwork is finalized and processed by July 1 it should not be an issue, No?

[bruce mclane]

mattina is a xavier guy and a UD freshman who has played summer rugby with AC for a couple of years.

I'll check it out.

[TNA Rastling]

Belmont Shore is D1 Mens not D1A. my bad. But doesnt change the fact that they got fat slobs in their front row that look like the "Nasty Boys"

[oregonbobby]

If Wiles had made the 3 chip shots he botched, and the ref had disallowed the obstruction try by Georgia (good football blocking scheme) that score could have easily been 45-15. Us dominates about 50 minutes of the game. What else could a fan ask for?

[Dreamer]

It would have been nice if we could have maintained the big lead long enough that Tolks would have felt comfortable to put in the New caps (particularly Davies) - so they could have had more than 5 minutes of game time ... would have likef to see them come on around the 65th minute instead of the 75th, but once the game tightened up - It's understandable why they were held out until the win was just about a sure thing .

[its a walking sport]

Agree on that D1 match there were some serious fat ass non-athletes walking around. Funny thing is they were even poor scrum and lifters, which begs the question what in the hell are they doing on the field.

Announce was also a Belmont homer which didn't do much for the RUGBYTOWN USA bunch.

[Supersize My Winners Medal]

If I saw correctly, those fat dudes were winning a national championship after going undefeated for the season. Sorry if those fatsos ran riot on your team on the way to picking up their hardware.

[Sergeant Hulka]

Supersize: It's a no-win situation here. You go undefeated to win a national championship, but you're props are too fat. You beat Georgia, but it was an understrength team. You get college sevens on national TV, but there's one college in bright yellow that nobody ever heard of. You get varsity rugby, but not at the right schools. You get the Eagles June tests on TV, but not on the right channel.

[TNA Rastling]

I dont care what the "Nasty Boys" did this season on a D1 Mens CLUB... "Real Raptor" said the D1 Mens Final and Womens Final were better and basically insinuated they could do better. It was not. And none of those fatboys could hang with a National team nor do any better than the Eagles did this weekend. period.

And if you want to boast about them going undefeated it really doesn't say much for D1 Mens rugby that a couple of slobs like that could start for a National Championship team now does it. If they are the face of American rugby that you want out there in the public eye, then you must be ok with the keg rugby mentality that people think of when they think of our sport.

[Delusional College Rugby]

You have to be on your team's roster prior to competing in a qualifier, just like you have to be on your team's roster prior to competing in a league match in 15s. The July 1 thing is an additional thing (i.e. you can't just add a ringer in late July before your last two tournaments). NYAC appears to have cheated, intentionally or not.

[Sergeant Hulka]

TNA: right, there are no fat guys playing in the NFL. If they can get around enough for Belmont to win, and no one to stop them, then I suppose how fat they are doesn't really matter.

[Krispy Kreme-PIE]

I think TNA Rastling is a fat chick who was rejected by a men's D1 national champion prop. Maybe you should switch sides and hit on the fat female props.

[God hates rugby!]

Once again, the gainline commentariat shows that in order to be involved in rugby in the US, you have to hate everyone whose image of rugby is not 100% in line with your own.

Fred Phelps would look at this crowd and wonder how everyone became so close-minded.