By Aaron Wilson
On a deep roster defined by a diverse lineup strategy executed by director Heyneke Meyer and coach Pote Human, fullback Drew Wild is emblematic of the SaberCats’ weekly personnel management.
A New Zealand native, Wild scored a try during the SaberCats’ 38-15 victory over Anthem Rugby Carolina.
“The win is the main thing,” Wild said.
From week to week, roles change and then change again.
It’s something the SaberCats embrace as part of their team-oriented approach.
“100 percent, our depth is crazy,” Wild said. “We have guys back at home not playing that could start and they wouldn’t look out of place. The boys stepped up. I’m feeling good. We’ve got a lot of competition in our squad. There’s a lot of pressure to play well. It’s bringing the best out of me personally.”
The SaberCats’ plan is working.
They’re 9-1 and have avoided major injuries.
Sharing playing time keeps the team fresh and opponents off-balance.
A Feilding High School graduate, Wild was the first captain and won regional titles and tournaments.
He played club rugby for the Feilding Yellows and the Manawatu Turbos, excelling in the kicking game and later playing a match for the New Zealand Barbarians. He joined the SaberCats last year and then re-signed for this season.
“Oh man, I’m feeling good,” Wild said. “I’m playing the way the coaches want me to play in the kicking game. My kicking is one of my strengths. I try to nail my strengths the best I can and put my best foot forward.”
The decision to join the SaberCats was something of a leap in faith. The SaberCats only began winning on a regular basis in the past few seasons. They won a franchise-record 10 matches last season in Wild’s first season with the squad.
“It’s good, man,” Wild said. “Obviously, Houston hasn’t in the past been a top team. It’s going good now. We turned it around and became one of the top teams.”
Living and working in Houston has agreed with Wild quite well.
“It’s good, it’s quite different than back home in New Zealand,” Wild said. “Back home, rugby is everything. It’s very heartening. Here in Texas, everything is bigger. Everything is a little more intense. I’m enjoying it.”
