By Aaron Wilson
Eighteen tackles, one try and a victory later, SaberCats hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue is in a grateful and humble mood.
Anae-Ah Sue delivered a pivotal performance during the undefeated SaberCats’ 30-27 victory over the Dallas Jackals.
The win propelled the SaberCats to a 5-0 record as the lone unbeaten team in Major League Rugby.
In that triumph, Anae-Ah Sue, a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, led the team in tackles.
“I just did my job, nothing special,” Anae-Ah Sue said after scoring five of the SaberCats’ 30-point total. “Just the back end of what we’ve been working on during the week and following the game plan and battle plan. I did my part and the boys allowed me do to that, not just my efforts.”
Anae-Ah Sue joined the SaberCats during the offseason. The 31-year-old attended Ara Te Pukenga. He played club rugby for the Timaru Old Boys and provincial rugby for South Canterbury. He has also played in the Spanish Division de Honor for VRAC Quesos Entrepinares and for UE Santboiana.
He has also played in the Japan Division 3 League for Shimizu Corporation.
And he played Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika.
“What I like a lot about being a SaberCat since coming here to Houston and joining the club, they’ve been really welcoming,” Anae-Ah Sue said. “It’s a good bunch of guys you want to play for. We all get along as a brotherhood. That sets us apart from other teams, I believe, is our chemistry.”
At 6-foot, 243 pounds, Anae-Ah Sue is aggressive and tough.
“I like to play physical and razzle-dazzle when I can,” Anae-Ah Sue said. “That’s definitely my mentality.”
The SaberCats have an open week before returning to their home stadium April 13 when they’ll host the New England Free Jacks.
“Everyone has individual programs, and coach has been good to us and given us the week off, but it’s never a total week off,” Anae-Ah Sue said. “I’ll still be grinding away.”
And Anae-Ah Sue is ready for some increased downtime with his wife and their two children.
“There’s definitely a lot of Houston to see,” Anae-Ah Sue said. “We’re absolutely loving the barbecue here.”
