Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago's opening NACRA (North American and Caribbean Rugby Association) Championship victory over Barbados last weekend has pushed them three spots up the International Rugby Board (IRB) world rankings.

T&T's "Calypso Warriors" leaped to 42nd following their hard-fought defeat of Barbados on Saturday at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown.

Trinidad and Tobago are the defending champions and face another stiff test against Guyana this Saturday at St Mary's Ground on Serpentine Road, St Clair.

T&T, who had a first round bye, scored first in the encounter with the Barbadians, scrum half Justin McLean converting a penalty after winger Kendal Mootoo was tackled above the shoulder line.

Both players debuted for the national team in the match.

Another debutant, James Phillips, also completed an unconverted try before half-time to send T&T in with a 12-5 lead at the break.

Barbados had an unconverted try of their own early in the second half, but Kelson Figaro's 70th minute try ensured the hosts could not spring the upset.

Trinidad and Tobago coach Larry Mendez feels the victory against Barbados, with 13 uncapped players in the squad, is an important one.

"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."

Mendez also pointed out that his team are going to have to play even better to beat Guyana, who he described as being a very "physical and fast team that play a ball-oriented, high-tempo game of rugby".

"They are also a scoring threat from anywhere on the field," Mendez added.

According to Mendez, successful teams need a clear philosophy. The former T&T 7s and 15s international and current Harvard Club head coach said he has a vision and philosophy about how Trinidad and Tobago should play the game.

The coach stated that T&T have the "talent and potential", but need to improve in their focus and "team ethic and ethos".

Mendez also paid tribute to past national teams.

"The great T&T teams of the past had guys who played for each other," he said. "Once they pulled on the red and black it was no longer about club or individual objectives but about country."