"We feel that the best practice for a match is playing one," says wing forward Hal Clark. The three weekly practice sessions are, in effect, scrimmage rugby matches in which members of the "C" team often find themselves playing besides members of the "A" team.
"There's no pressure on anyone to play on some day he might not want to,"Sione explains, "so boys are likely to think of practices as fun rather than dull requirements."
SATURDAY morning, Sione rises early to assume the first of several identities he will take on during the day--that of team manager. He sees that the red-and-white flags are properly placed along the boundaries of the field, that the oval-shaped rugby balls are procured from the equipment room in Dillon Field House, and that honey, oranges, and beer for half-time are bought.
The "B" team usually comes on first, beginning its match at about 9 a.m., followed by the "C" team at 11. The majority of the "C" squad are new players, gathering experience for a gradual climb to the "A" team.
"The 'C's' are a sort of farm club for the other two teams, "Ordway explains,. "Sometimes, people on the 'A' or 'B' squad are hurt or can't make it, and this gives the 'C's' a chance to move up quickly."
During half-time of all three games, Sione acts as coach, demonstrating proper passing techniques and pointing out errors in ball-handling or the scrum. Then, at 10 o'clock. Sione leads the "A" team onto the field in his final role, team captain.
Sione provides a source of brute strength for the scrum, but frequently carries the ball as well, and his 250-pound frame often takes three tacklers to bring down.
"He's modified his running style somewhat," Sargent says. "When he in his first came out for the team, he played in his bare feet. Now that he's using shin guards and cleats, he can concentrate more on running."
After the match, which Harvard usually wins-the squad was undefeated last fall and is 2-1 so far this season--comes Siones traditional war dance. All 14 teammates encircle him, slapping their thighs and giving enthusiastic vocal accompaniment, while Sione carries out the "sacred" team ritual. A beer party follows on the sidelines as players from both sides drink and exchange pleasantries. On certain weekends, Sione throws his famous pig roast.
"We get maybe three suckling pigs," says Sione, "and go down to Cape Cod, where a friend of the team's has a cottage. Then we prepare them on a spit, and while they're roasting, which takes several hours, everyone gets quite drunk. It's a lot of fun."