… Gonsalves calls for support ahead of clash against USA

CAPTAIN of Guyana’s National Rugby team, Ryan Gonsalves, believes that despite the team’s preparation being hampered by the weather, the ‘Green Machine’ will be ready to run riot against the USA (South) when the two countries collide on July 29 in the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s championship.
As it stands, the National Park Rugby Field is listed as the venue for the historic clash – the second between the two sides – with the St Stanislaus College ground on Carifesta Avenue as the alternative venue.
“We’re not getting to train as we want to because of the weather, the ground is very bad and we don’t really have a proper venue right now. But we’re doing our best to ensure that we’re properly prepared for this big game,” Gonsalves told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview yesterday.
Gonsalves has elevated himself to become one the Caribbean’s finest rugby players, earning the respect of the other regional territories for his marksman-like aim when taking conversions.

In fact, it was Gonsalves heroics that led to Guyana’s famous win against the USA in Atlanta on July 28, 2014.
Gonsalves was hailed a hero after his penalty kick, scored in sudden-death, saw Guyana defeat defending champions USA South to win the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 30-27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Guyanese were down 24-8 against the Americans when they played for the first time at the Life University Rugby Complex, but Vallon Adams and Claudius Butts carried out a relentless attack on the Americans’ defence, to put Gonsalves in a position to win the game for the team.
It was Guyana’s first-ever 15s title, after being known around the world as the Caribbean’s most dominant 7s team.
“This game means a lot to us,” Gonsalves said, “the guys are committed, determined and we are finally getting a chance to play at home – something we always wanted to do – since it would give us the advantage in so many ways.”
Gonsalves explained that since their 24-7 win on June 9 over Trinidad and Tobago, where they retained their RAN South Zone title, they are yet to play a competitive game.
“The lack of practice games is usually a problem for us. We would usually play some games if we travel and so on, but now, playing at home, we haven’t been able to get a game since then. But the guys have been working hard to stay fit and being committed to achieving the goal of winning this title at home,” Gonsalves said.

CROWD SUPPORT
The visit by USA will be their second in the Caribbean after travelling to Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 where they left with the RAN 15s title; winning 26-18.
The Green Machine skipper is calling on all of Guyana to rally around the team. The National Rugby side is considered by many as country’s most successful sports team.
Lack of proper funding, government and corporate support, as well as players not being given time-off by employers for training, are just a handful of the issues the team face, but like true warriors, they persevere.
“We want people to come out and support us because this is the first time we will be playing such a huge game at home,” Gonsalves told Chronicle Sport.
The team’s captain further noted, “A lot of people never really saw us play for a championship at home and I think now would be the best time to come out and support us. So we want everyone to come out on game day and show us that support. This team have been performing at a high level for years and it would please us to play in-front of a packed venue.”
The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has been working hard to ensure that the National Park Rugby field is ready for the international engagement, but is also hoping that the weather will be favourable.