T&T's senior 15s rugby team will need the full backing of local supporters when Larry Mendez's team renews its rivalry against Guyana today for a place in the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (Nacra) Championship (tier three) final, at UWI Ground, St Augustine, from 4 pm.Trinidad Northern winger Ryan Fredericks leads a strong line-up comprising several debutants and seasoned campaigners. At stake is the team's pride and a vacant spot against USA South in the Nacra Championship title match.
Almost a year ago, T&T made the trip to Guyana and needing just a draw, the Calypso Warriors unexpectedly lost the encounter 20-0. Only a week prior to the disastrous result, the team hosted Barbados at St Mary's College Ground, St Clair, and eased to a deserved 32-3 victory.Some notable changes were made to the T&T team since that loss to Guyana. Fredericks replaced Jonathan O'Connor as team captain prior to the Barbados fixture, while Tobago RFC pair Melville Eastman and Kwain Manswell were selected along with two Royalians players, Trizene Mc Lean and Kereem Figaro, as well as Caribs' Anthony Lopez and Shaquille Tull.