INTERVIEW: Joe Taufetee on Team USA’s journey at World Cup

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  • LONDON — As USA bow get ready to leave England’s shores following their group-stage exit, reporter Andrew Binner talks to prop Joe Taufetee about playing South Africa at the Olympic Stadium, the Tower of London and how the sport is growing back home.

    Can you describe what it was like to play at the Rugby World Cup?
    Sometimes I had to pinch myself to believe that I was here. There were a lot of new faces on the team with no prior World Cup experience and everyone was so stoked to be here. The energy was amazing and the crowd was intense so it’s was a very happy place for us. It sometimes felt like we were playing at home as every time something happened in the game the crowd went crazy.

    We didn’t bring much over with us in terms of chefs and things like that so was has been great to totally immerse ourselves in the English rugby culture and all the players will be a lot better off for having been here.

    What did you get up to in between games?

    We went to the embassy to visit the ambassador and had a tour of the tower of London which was pretty cool and we took in the Ceremony of the Keys.

    What was a typical day at training like?
    We liked to train at the same time as our kick-off in the next match so our bodies are adjusted to playing at that time. We would have breakfast at 8:30am and a few meetings followed by a bit of community outreach.

    Then we would get back to camp, have another meeting and do a hydration test before training. Then we would hit the gym before getting out on the pitch for around an hour and a half. After that we would go back to our digs and relax with a movie night or something similar with the boys. Then off to bed and do it all over again the next day.

    What was the reception like for your games home – is the sport growing?

    I know that my family screamed down the phone and they couldn’t believe that I was here. It has been interesting to see the effect of increased media coverage of our team. A lot of people have been getting in touch and wishing me the best over Facebook and other social media which is nice.  I also know quite a few people who made the trip over so that is very cool. Just being here on the world’s biggest rugby stage will open up the eyes of a lot of clubs to what the Americans can bring to the table. We have already seen the potential of a large fan base when the All Backs played to a sold out crowd in Chicago earlier this year and that is something we want to see more of.

    What were the facilities like?
    Awesome. I can’t believe we were training at facilities like Hailebury school. Rugby in America is nowhere near as big as NFL or basetball so we have to make do with practicing at public parks usually. For for us to come to these world class facilities where we are being treated like we are honoured guests is a very special feeling and I love it.

    What was the experience like playing in the Olympic Stadium?

    I was in the tunnel getting ready to head out for the national anthem. I could hear the crowd cheering and a sudden wave of chills rushed through me. When we first arrived it didn’t seemed as big, but when the seats were filled it just seemed like the place grew in size! A little over 53,000 people were there. You cuff up your hands and make that “roar” sound and that what it sounded like times a hundred!  And never in my life would I have thought I’d be playing in front of these many rugby fans including the millions watching from home.

    Were you pleased at holding South Africa out for so long in the first half?

    I don’t think anyone here at this tournament would be satisfied with just holding onto their opposition for just a half. Its frustrating to give up tries within 5-10 minutes into the second half in this match and in the past one. 

     What was it like playing against some of the world’s best players?

    It’s pretty cool. I watch these guys play super rugby back home while I’m playing domestic rugby and to be on the same stage as them is nothing short of a dream come true. It also makes it so much sweeter when I got to walk into the locker room, chat with Schalk Britts and Trevor Nyakane, then swapped jerseys with them. They are some good dudes.

    What has been the most memorable part of playing in the World Cup?

    For one, this World Cup vs South Africa is where I got my first international cap. That’s something I could never forget. Then, getting onto the pitch with 8 minutes left I carried hard and made tackles and made a break from 50m to inside their 22m. It was a sneaky pick and go. I remember seeing the look on Willie ale Roux’s face because when I broke then line, it was the crowd that got his attention of something big happening. It was me running towards him. Another big moment was when the final whistle blew and I realized how big it was to be here and to finally cap. At Olympic stadium in front of over 53,000 fans. I could help but to thank God for that moment. 

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