Editor’s Note: Conor Mills of Texas A&M, is in the Republic Of Georgia playing with the USA U-20. He sends us regular updates. Here are several.
Days 8-9
So the samoa game was rough and ended up being 46-11 I think. The boys had to play defense for over 70% of the time so it was hard putting samoa through sustained pressure. I almost got on in the last five minutes but the whistle blew before I could. After watching the film today samoa are definately a beatable team but have to be favorites to win the tourney now. After our game we got to watch the second half of the canada v. georgia game. Georgia looked really good defensively and ended up winning pretty big which is surprising seeing as about ten of their guys went down with cramps or injuries in the last part of the game. Overall the whole experience is pretty amazing from the 3,000 people out for the game to the whole professional atmosphere. Today was an early day. I had to wake up at 6:45 for a replacement workout since I did not play in the game and it was brutal. After that we had a pool session and ice baths. The rest of the day has been laid back and a group of us went to get a little taste of America at the local McDonalds. The trip there was interesting as protests against the current government continue and small children begging for money. Other than that just some SWOT on Russia and then a stretch tonight. On to the next thing!
Day 10
Today was pretty long. We woke up at seven and were about to go to the field for some unit work and lifting but the bus couldn’t get to us because of the Georgian independence day. Instead we lifted at the hotel’s weight room and the backs did some kicking and passing in the parking lot. Felt like we were back in middle school again ha. After that we had a long break then headed to the field for a two and a half hour long practice. It was pretty rough but the only one before our match against Russia on Saturday. After that we ate dinner and had some team building activities (which the South won). Other than that just a recovery day tomorrow!