T&T’s national rugby coach Larry Mendez says that T&T’s next World Cup Qualifier against bitter rivals Guyana, will require an even greater effort by his team, which defeated Barbados 32-3 in the Pool B opener on June 2. Mendez has described Guyana as “a tough nut to crack”, especially when playing at home. The Calypso Warriors take on the Guyanese at their National Stadium, Providence, Georgetown. The T&T team, which thrashed Barbados, have been given the week off to rest following the home result, which came just under a year since T&T’s previous 15s match. “The players had intense, physical preparation in the lead up to the Barbados match, so they have a few days of active recovery to recharge mentally and physically,” said Mendez. He said that there will be a compulsory fitness test to follow on Saturday.
Mendez thanked the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT) for its support and assistance to the T&T Rugby Football Union (T&TRFU) during preparations for the Barbados clash. “We appreciated it. They were brilliant and knowledgeable.” Tobias Ottley, Anthony Creed and Dr Anyl Gopeesingh provided medical support and access to the gym and training field at Hasely Crawford Stadium. “Support services are absolutely essential in modern high performance sport. The use of modern technologies and sport science are no longer a luxury but a necessity,” added Mendez. He said that players’ demands on the national team with regard to fitness and skill development are much more than before, despite rugby being an amateur sport in T&T. “If we are to keep them (players) motivated it is important that the TTRFU and Sport Company continues to work hand-in-hand. Preparation for Guyana will be more intense and demanding than it was for Barbados. “The guys will be asked to work even harder because we simply have to be a much improved team by June 2,” Mendez concluded.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt