Guyana boasted a 100 percent record following the Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15s qualifying round as they made it to the upcoming final with relative ease.
However, a stern test awaits the ‘Green Machine on Saturday when they face a game USA South Panthers squad hungry for revenge after Guyana’s come from behind 30-27 victory two years ago.
After claiming their maiden 15s title at the expense of the visitors in 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia, Guyana will have a chance to not only reclaim the title that was won by Mexico last year, but also do something that several teams in RAN have never done; beat the mighty USA ruggers twice. With fitness levels heading in the right direction, Guyana’s head coach, Shane Grant-Stuart will be looking to further fine tune his side in earnest anticipation of being more than ready for the much anticipated match against USA.
En route to the final, Guyana brushed aside Barbados and Trinidad to clinch the Southern Zone title.
However, Grant-Stuart and his charges are not taking anything for granted and will be looking to correct whatever mistakes were made when they lock horns with USA South from 14:00hrs at the National Park.
Notes: In Guyana the match time is usually 16:00hr for international matches, however, the US team is schedule to depart in the evening of the said date. To accommodate such, Guyana has agreed to the change of time sanctioned by the governing body- Rugby Americas North (RAN) to play the match two hours head of the regular time.
It has been over 12 years since a US team touched the shores of Guyana. The last match up in Guyana would have been at the u-19 level, a match where Guyana lost. However, a victory against the visiting outfit on Saturday will allow Guyana to continue its march to the 2019 World Cup. (Emmerson Campbell)
