The bets are off today heading into the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (Nacra) Rugby Championship crowning match featuring host team T&T and a surging Mexico, two teams that have never met before in the rugby union format and seeking contrasting achievements.
An army of red is expected to storm St Mary's College Ground, Serpentine Road for the first drop kick at 3.30 pm, as the "Calypso Warriors" challenge for a third Nacra Championship title. Success today will see the Warriors lead Nacra in terms of regional rugby union titles. Mexico, one of International Rugby Union's (IRB) newest members, having joined in 2012, is in search for its first crown in its first appearance in a Nacra 15s final.
Today's meeting was originally set for the more suitable Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port-of-Spain, but the teams were transposed to the St Clair venue as a result of a clash with a major track and field event.
St Mary's College ground provides less than adequate seating accommodation for such a final, but fans can enjoy a closer look at the action from the sidelines.
Today, Mexico and T&T enter the match off two weeks preparation after their respective triumphs in the Nacra North Zone and South Zone Championships.
On April 11, Mexico secured its first North Zone championship following a somewhat surprising 24-3 away win over one of the Caribbean's smallest but most formidable teams, the Cayman Islands.
In Mucurapo, that same day and at the same time, T&T dethroned Guyana, 22-20 in a nervy but exciting victory of retribution for the Warriors.
T&T stands as Nacra's third strongest team, sitting 46th (up from 50th before the Guyana win) in the IRB rankings, trailing USA and Canada. T&T is ten spots ahead of the progressive Mexico, which has flourished even more rapidly in recent months.
And while Mexico is one of very few Nacra teams that T&T has never played against, the Warriors' head coach Larry Mendez has a general idea of what to expect from Mexico.
Ronald Annandsingh, T&T manager, said some tactical changes were made over the two-week period after review of Mexico's winning performance against the Cayman Islands.
The Mexicans arrived in Piarco on Thursday at 4.30 pm and trained yesterday morning and evening at the stadium's outside pitch and at St Mary's Ground, respectively.
Ronald Annandsingh, T&T manager, said some tactical changes were made over the two-week period after review of Mexico's winning performance against the Cayman Islands.
"We had a look at their last game against Cayman. We have added one or two more options at set plays and have tightened up on some things from our last game against Guyana. (We have been) fine tuning the basics," said Annandsingh.
The Mexicans arrived in Piarco on Thursday at 4.30 pm and trained yesterday morning and evening at the stadium's outside pitch and at St Mary's Ground, respectively.
"From my analysis, they (Mexico) seem to be a well organised defensive team that plays with an 'upfront' offensive style which makes them a worthy opponent for our national team," said Mendez ahead of showdown.
He added that the Warriors are more equipped and confident following the victory over Guyana, even though that match, and competitive rugby on the whole is primarily all that is afforded to prepare for more competitive rugby. He, however, suggested that Mexico ought not be underestimated.
Mendez, who has lead T&T's 15s and sevens team since 2012, credited his charges' ability to strategically execute training routines as one of the prime factors in T&T's return to the pinnacle of regional rugby.
Asked his view on the change of the match venue, he responded: "The change makes no difference, and until national rugby finds its own home base, finding appropriate venues will always be a challenge."