NACRA 15’s Rugby…A lot of work still to be done-Henry

May 09, 2013 Sports

Head Coach of the national rugby squad Theodore Henry, speaking with Kaieteur Sport on Tuesday afternoon during a practice session at the National Park, said the squad currently preparing for their May 18 clash against Barbados in the NACRA 15’s Championship still have a lot of work to do, but was optimistic that they will be ready

Head Coach Theodore Henry (back of the line) demonstrates a play during a practice session on Tuesday afternoon at the National Park.

for the encounter.
Henry, who has been in charge of the national team for the past two years, told this newspaper that the current phase they are in is to get the patterns of play and game sequences correct and judging from what he has seen so far indicates that some amount of work is still to be done to reach the desired level.
“For instance, if I’m to make an assessment of the trial games that we’ve had I will have to say that both sides gave away a lot of penalties in the ruck areas and that to my mind was due to indiscipline. It is not a case of them not knowing what to do, but merely a case of players playing with raw emotions,” Henry pointed out.
Asked whether there were any other area of deficiency that needed to be addressed, Henry retorted by saying that every area is being looked at presently and they are having complete sessions.
“We will have a another game simulation this week and that is to correct all the deficiencies, especially in defence which I can tell you is our main focus right now. If we have a solid defence I feel everything else will fall into place.”
Questioned on the scheduled arrival time for the three overseas-based players Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers and Dillon Downer, the Head Coach disclosed that the latter two should arrive in time for the trial game this weekend, but Staglon due to work commitments is expected a few days before the game.
Henry admitted that Staglon is an integral part of the team, he is noted for his commitment, inspiration and most of all his vast experience, adding that it is vital that he arrives in time to gel with the players, especially the new ones and be part of the system.
Henry highlighting the difficulty of preparing a team to play 15’s rugby said that it is always a real challenge, pointing out that it is just like starting over since we’ve always been a dominant 7’s playing nation and our focus and strategies are predominantly geared for that format.
“The 15’s format is totally different, it is more technical and instead of speed which is a decisive advantage in 7’s rugby, 15’s is more about strength and tactical superiority,” Henry stated.
The current squad of 47 players will be reduced to 22 following a trial match this weekend.