Fitness key to Green Machine’s chances against Mexico
Having toppling Trinidad and Tobago 24-17 on Saturday to retain their Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone Title, the Green Machine will now prepare to face their toughest test, come July 1, when they play away to Mexico in the North versus South Championship.
When these two sides last met, the fitness of the Green Machine was called into question, given the high altitude at which the game was played, as the Mexican Serpientes hammered the Green Machine 32-3. With the past in mind and the ultimate aim to seek retribution, Captain Ryan Gonsalves explained, the Green Machine would be trying to get players to be as fit as possible.
“Our fitness is okay; however, we need to do some endurance work. Mexico is high altitude, and if we don’t get fit we will be faced with the same struggle as last year, so we must get our big guys fit”, he explained.
The physical battle against Trinidad and Tobago could be the possible litmus test they use to improve on key areas before they face Mexico
Head Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart has confided that he would need to make some tactical adjustments for the clash. “The game plan (would be) beefed up a bit. I saw some critical mistakes that we should not be making, but (our game plan entails) more mobility and physicality against Mexico,” Grant-Stuart declared.
The coach explained that the team would be taking a week off to recuperate, but would need all the support it can get — especially in the form of finances and facilities — when training resumes.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has disclosed at the Guyana/Trinidad match that Government is willing to support Rugby. “I’m positive that we [Government] can do something for rugby. I believe the [Guyana] team needs as much support as they can get; and you can see [from] my presence here (that) I believe they [Green Machine) will do well. The Government is fully supporting rugby,” the Minister of State declared.
Historically, Guyana’s Green Machine has been one of the most consistent teams in the Caribbean, winning the Men’s Sevens Title eight times and recording a presence in the popular Hong Kong Sevens.
In the 15s format, the Green Machine’s 30-27 victory over the USA (South) in 2014 — when they won their maiden NACRA 15s [now known as RAN] title in Atlanta – must rate as one of the Green Machines best moments yet. (Akeem Greene)
