Did the Eagles perform better in Tokyo because it was the first time all year that Carlin Isles wasn't a part of the squad? It's a complicated question that involves a lot of other factors but it's something that should be considered. However, before we get into any of that we want to say that we think Isles is a great rugby player and could have a very bright future. There is no question that he improved as a player during his time at the OTC. His time as Glasgow could amplify that training and expose him to new ideas that make him a better player. Down the road he could be an Olympic starter (if the Eagles make it that far) and could make an impact on the 15 team.
All of that said it doesn't seem like a coincidence that the Eagles did better the first tournament he was away. There may be no faster rugby player in the world, which can be very key in 7s, but there was also a lot that the team gave up when Isles was on the pitch. Defensively, Isles was often caught out of position much to the frustration of his teammates. Sure, he could chase down a player who had broken free but at the same time that was often due to an earlier error on his part. He also got pushed out of a lot of tackles. His defensive game definitely improved during his time and coming in as a crossover athlete it was a surprise how physical he wanted to be but there is no question the team gave up something when he was on the pitch.
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On the offensive end Isles could score tries out of nothing. Single-handily he saved the Eagles on multiple occasions and he deserves credit for that. At the same time he could also choke up the offense. Players would worry too much about trying to find Isles than making the smart play. Last weekend in Tokyo you saw players go forward with confidence and attack the line. That's because they weren't worried about always trying to find the quick ball out. With Isles on the field teams could essentially contain the rest of the team and try to prevent the Eagles from getting the ball to Isles. As the lack of try scoring this year showed, it worked.
Being so new to rugby Isles also committed a number of errors either in terms of penalties at the breakdown or making a forced pass. Very early on he also earned a few yellow cards for throwing the ball away, something regularly done in other sports. He improved immensely during his time but the penalty count was down in Tokyo and the passes more often found their target. Again, it comes from having confidence in yourself and not having to worry about finding one particular player.
The amount of media attention given to the U.S. purely surrounding Isles didn't help the team or the player. Commentators and coaches would often wonder why Isles wouldn't start. We think there was an assumption that he had basic rugby knowledge. That's an easy assumption for someone to make if they have been around the game their whole life but it was simply not the case for someone who had been playing for only weeks when he first debuted. It also felt at times that they also viewed the U.S. matches as a sideshow in which they should trot out Isles every match just for the entertainment value (certainly the results weren't in the Eagles favors to make them contenders). That belittles both the Eagles and the Isles.
One of the best attributes of Isles is his desire to win. He is a competitor and it will carry him far. You also have to admire his decision to stick to rugby. He's had other offers and gave up a chance at possibly qualifying for the Olympics to play rugby. That's amazing. It had to be frustrating for Isles to try and learn a new game while continually making mistakes. He wasn't brought along slowly because the U.S. didn't have the resources do it properly. He needed to play on development sides and get regular time in 15s just to increase his time on the field. In many ways you have to feel bad for Isles because he was given so many expectations so early with the resources to develop him. It's something that Alex Magleby has been working on for awhile and has already laid the foundation so that future athletes like Isles will have a pathway.
As mentioned, we think Isles will go on to be a great player. He may be the single biggest factor in favor of the Eagles in terms of Olympic qualification. However, there is plenty of evidence from this last weekend that his absence for the team has made them better--at least in the short term. The team needs confidence right now and if that means simplifying things and becoming a team the IRB can't shamelessly generate hits off of then so be it. Isles time will come but for now his time with Glasgow is working out for him and for the Eagles.