Source: www.guardian.co.tt
T&T men’s rugby coach, Larry Mendez yesterday described his team’s 17-10 win over Barbados in the Caribbean Championships at the Garrison, Barbados, on Saturday, as important. The defending champions and number one ranked team went into the game with 13 uncapped players. “Both Dale Trotman, assistant coach and myself were in charge of a T&T team for the first time. So getting that first win under our belt was important. It was not achieved in the manner I would have wanted but all things considered I will take it. We are all clear about the extent of the hard work that is required.”
The T&T team returned home last night and will begin preparing today for their crucial game with Guyana at CIC Grounds, on Saturday. Mendez described Guyana as a very physical and fast team. “They play a ball oriented, high tempo game and are a scoring threat from any where on the field,” said Mendez.
The former T&T 7s and 15s international and current Harvard Club head coach said he has a vision and philosophy about how T&T should play the game. “It is early days yet. It will take time to get everyone up to speed and on the same page, but I am confident Dale and myself can build a team and group of players capable of achieving great things including improving our current world ranking of 45. We have the talent and potential but there is room for major improvement in mental focus and concentration, team ethic and ethos.
“The great T&T teams of the past had guys who played for each other. Once they pulled on the red and black it was no longer about club or individual objectives but about country.” Mendez said that having the very experienced team manager and chairman of selectors to turn to for advice and guidance was very beneficial. “At different points in our playing career, both Dale and I would have had Curtis as either team captain or manager. He has tremendous experience and knowledge and is well respected in the rugby fraternity,” added Mendez.
The T&T team will train today from 5pm at the Caribs Ground in the Queen’s Park Savannah. Guyana are five-time Caribbean sevens rugby champions and winners of the first ever Central America and Caribbean(CAC) Games sevens gold medal and number two ranked Caribbean 15 a side.