Coach Larry Mendez closed off T&T’s preparations for their World Cup rugby qualifier with an intense session yesterday, at King George V Park. The team focused on game management in defence and attack. “We started at 8 am and the guys responded well.” A 22-man squad was selected on Tuesday and Mendez said he was happy to see the effort and enthusiasim of some of the players who weren’t selected. “It’s a team effort. The attitude among the guys is great. They are as ready as could be.”
T&T take on Guyana in an all or nothing qualifier at the National Stadium, Providence, Georgetown, Guyana on Saturday.
The Calypso Warriors will travel to Guyana tomorrow. One change has been made to the team that beat Barbados 32-3 two weeks ago, at the St Mary’s College Grounds. Royalian’s centre Kelson Figaro has been recalled and will replace Andrew Taylor who has returned to University in the UK. Rugby chairman of the selectors and team manager Curtis Nero has expressed confidence that the team is fit and prepared.
“The young players have made strong claims for selection. However, given the crucial nature of the encounter, we felt we needed a mix of experience and youth. We expect a close-fought and physical battle. Guyana are at home and in a must win situation. They beat us by two points last year in our backyard. We are up for the fight this year.”
Team
Forwards: John Hill (Harvard), Miguel Lara (Caribs), Ernest Wright (Caribs), Adam Frederick (v capt)(Trinidad Northern), Jamal Clark (Caribs), Keishon Walker (Tobago), Wayne Kelly (Harvard/UTT), Rowell Gordon (Harvard), Felician Guerra (Royalians), Jason Joesph (Police), Jesse Richards (UWI), Kurt Quashie (Caribs)
Backs: Jonathan O'Connor (capt) (Northern), Don Rojas (Caribs), Joseph Quashie (Harvard/UTT), Jason Clark (Caribs), Agboola Silverthorn (Rainbow), James Phillip (Royalians), Justin McLean (Trinidad Northern), Tariq Cheekes (Harvard/Fatima), Kelson Figaro (Royalians) and Daryl Scott (Rainbow).
Head Coach: Larry Mendez
Asst Coach: Dale Trotman
Trainer: Derek Ashby
Team Manager: Curtis Nero
Source: www.guardian.co.tt