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Gareth Evans kindly answered the following questions put by the Sapperrugby team prior to the team meeting for the Infantry fixture.
The team have shipped a few yellow cards in the last few games, does that concern you?
As a coaching staff we are never happy when our discipline lets us down and in the last 3 games we have had a yellow card in each game. We have lost 2 of those games and the yellow cards have been a contributing factor as to why we have lost.
The Infantry game requires you to get 1 point more than the REME to get into the final, is this a win at all costs game?
We are conscious of all the permutations and we are definitely looking at this as a must win game.
Have you got any injury concerns coming into the game?
John Auld has a neck injury and our Capt Ben Hughes is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder. We are hopeful that both will be available to play. There is still a weekend of civilian rugby before the Infantry fixture and we are hoping that everyone turns up for training prior to the game fit and in good form.
Are any players now available for the Infantry game that weren’t for the REME game?
There are a number of players who weren’t involved in the REME fixture that are now available for selection for the Inf game: Geoff Rowland and Knoxy Laquero are returning from injury, Joe Ulikedekede and Peceli Nacamavuto have returned from the FI, Ledua Jope has returned from his DOMCOL and Stu Douglas has returned from the Oman. All of these players will significantly strengthen our squad.
Garry Windle had a strong game against Shelford under lights, selection at hooker must now be a problem with James Erasmus showing well in the previous games?
Both Garry and Ras have played very well this season. Competition for starting positions is very healthy and we continue to hope that all players push for a place in the starting line up.
Looking back on the recent development game vs Shelford, did you get what you wanted out of the game, and who stood out for you as contenders to feature in the Infantry game?
At Shelford we gave the opportunity to some established players who hadn’t had a lot of time in the Corps shirt this season for whatever reason, primarily availability / injury. We also took the opportunity to look at some players who had never played for the Corps before. So in that respect we definitely achieved our objective.
As for players who stood out, Rick Reeves turned in a Man of the Match performance and Rob Taylor continued his excellent return to form. I must mention the players who made their debut that night Waggy Wagner, Solo, Tony Anthony, Adam Karran, Steve Limbrick and Joe McLean who all made excellent contributions and will hopefully go on and represent the Corps in the future. Indeed Waggy has been drafted into the Inf game because of John Aulds injury.
What are your main concerns about the Infantry?
Our main concern about the Inf is that you never know who will be available for them. As with all our games we will focus on trying to impose our game plan on the opposition whilst having the flexibility and game management skills to change our patterns if required.
Thanks Gareth for your time and honest views. |
