By Treiston Joseph
The national rugby squad, the ‘Green Machine’, will head out to Barbados to face the host nation in the RAN’s 15’s this weekend. Guyana and Barbados are no strangers to each other on the rugby field, with Guyana enjoying success against their opponents on a number of occasions.
In addition, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) recently named a 23-member squad a few days ago with familiar faces set to compete against the Bajans.
Top Winger Patrick King highlighted the confidence level of the squad. “The team is very confident in playing Barbados; over the years we have been beating Barbados comfortably, but now will be a bit different because we are going by them…the team is good mix of young men and experience guys as well,” King noted.
King gave some insight into the style the team is hoping to play against Barbados. “We will try to play more loose because Barbados is muscular and will try to crash the pack so the more touches our guys get it will be easier for us to play. The guys are confident and we are going there to win and come home so we can prepare for Trinidad in the next outing,” King stated.
Meanwhile, top Tight Head Rondel McArthur, who is now beginning to find his side in the national set up and brings size and tenacity to the team, shared a bit on preparation and the role he will play for Guyana against Barbados.
“Preparation has been good; what we have been working is our game plays and patterns and getting the line to gel with pack once that happens I think we can bring home the final product. My role will be to break the line, support the pack and motivate the guys to victory,” the man known as ‘Bull’ declared.
The squad will depart Thursday for Barbados where they will hope to secure victory on Saturday before returning home.
