After Life University won their March 31 Super League match against Boston 46-22, Head Coach James Isaacson said he was a little wary of depending too much on some magical play by one or two players.

But he still has to be happy to see a little magic from the likes of Tui Osborne. The Life center, who doubles as the Life undergraduate 7s coach, ran in one try and added 11 points from goalkicking to spark Life. On defense he likes to do a mini-blitz, holding off from his man for a split second, then closing the gap with startling speed.

His attacking playing, especially his passing, was a key part of Life’s success.

“I felt good on the day,” Osborne told RUGBYMag.com. “We’ve been getting better ball for the backs from the forwards, so when that happens we in the backs are lucky. I just capitalized on what was in front of me.”

Osborne said Isaacson isn’t as structure-locked as he might seem.

“He gives us leeway,” the center said. “He says you play what’s in front of you first. But don’t mess up!”

Osborne didn’t, and he’s also feeling a little more comfortable kicking the ball.

“I was doing the kicking before but I think it affected my game,” he said. “When I had a bad day, it would affect the rest of my play. So I gave [the job] back to Aaron McMaster. But I back him up and when he’s injured I do it. I like kicking in Marietta. There’s not a lot of wind and the posts are nice and high. So it was a good day for me. I hope to have more.”