After brushing aside Barbados and then arch rival Trinidad on Saturday to lift the RAN South Zone 15s Championship, the real test for the national team awaits most likely in Mexico on July 1.
In order to regain the Regional 15’s title, the ‘Green Machine’ has to ‘try’ to be at their very best on game day against the winner of the Cayman Island’s/Mexico game which will be played on Saturday. Mexico is the defending champions and the historically superior team. A team which steamrolled the national team last year to record a convincing 32-3 victory.
So what are the keys to victory if the local ruggers have to travel to the high altitude Spanish speaking country?
According to skipper, Ryan Gonsalves, there are several.
“If Mexico does come out on top of the north (zone) we have to adjust to the high altitude that is the major advantage factor playing in Mexico City. We have to work on getting more fit, our conditioning has to be higher especially for our big guys so they can last the 80 minutes at high altitude.”
Gonsalves admitted that “it’s a tough task ahead but we are up for the challenge.”
The captain added “I think we played well on Saturday because our coaching staff put us in a position to win and I know they will do the same if we have to play Mexico.”
Gonsalves disclosed that they unit will study film and try to exploit whatever kinks are found in the Mexicans armor while “tightening up in the forward department.”
On their quest to regain the 15s championship, Guyana defeated Barbados 34-26 and Trinidad 24-17. The ‘Green Machine’ will be hoping to transform into robot mode and continue their winning ways against the betting favourite, Mexico.
