BAND OF BROTHERS:
Despite being the ancestor of American Football, rugby is a relatively minor amateur sport in the United States. But at the elite military academy of West Point, New York, the game is flourishing for a simple reason: with its demanding technique, the need for rapid individual decision making and - above all - its warrior culture, rugby is considered the best possible sporting preparation for the controlled chaos of the battlefield.

Five minutes before kick-off, and coach Rich Pohlidal wants his men to know that the demands of daily life at West Point should give them an edge. "Look these guys in the eye and ask them where they live - what can they do to us? Hardship is good, suffering is good - you know it makes us stronger!"

A few seconds later, all 60 players on the rugby programme gather in the centre of the lockerroom and kneel for the prayer, followed by a poem written specially for the occasion - the sentiments are a little less Christian. Finally, the group huddles even closer, throwing their hands into the middle: "One, two, three, BROTHERS!" They file out, steel cleats clicking on the floor, to meet today's opponents - Boston College - in a game they hope will prepare them for the much harder challenges of tomorrow.

Outside, heavy rain is lashing down diagonally across Warrior Field, driven by gusts of up to 60mph. Rugby is a winter sport, but even professionals find it hard to cope when the elements are at their worst. Most of the team are new to rugby, having discovered it at the academy - in these conditions, their lack of experience could easily lead to handling errors and poor tactical choices. But they display some exceptional individual skills and play intelligently, occupying territory with tactical kicks when the wind is at their backs before punching holes in the defence close to the goal line. At half-time the score is 19-0 to West Point. When they turn into the wind they keep the ball tight in among the forward pack, and start to grind down their opponents. Even if their discipline, fitness and all-round focus is no surprise, it is still a remarkable performance. Final score: 43-3 to the cadets. "If there was a team that was going to come out on top in that kind of weather, it had to be the army," grins Coach Pohlidal.

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