Phl Volcanoes: Erupt or bow out vs UAE side

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Volcanoes need to erupt now more than ever as the Pinoy rugby aces fight to keep their slot in the Top 5 division of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations tourney against United Arab Emirates tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Foiled by powerhouse rivals in their first three outings in the Elite division, the Volcanoes seek a breakthrough victory against UAE in the 7 p.m. relegation match to avert demotion to Group I in next year’s competitions.

“The boys are pretty excited to play again in Manila. It’s been a long campaign for us and that (first three games) has put us in good shape for the last game against UAE,” said Volcanoes skipper Michael Letts.

Debuting in the premier division this year, the Volcanoes received a harsh welcome from the big boys of the A5N. Japan walloped Phl in Tokyo, 121-0, to set the tone for its eventual title-retention in Top 5, then Hong Kong nipped the Pinoys before their countrymen at Rizal, 59-20, and South Korea dealt the Volcanoes a 62-19 away beating last week.

“We have experienced top-flight rugby and we want to stay,” said Letts.

Competing in the Elite Division in 2014 has become all the more significant in that its winner will qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2015 while the second placer will vie in a separate knockout competition for the 20th and final World Cup slot.

“The relegation match is obviously important in terms of what happens next year. But is it the be-all and end-all? No, it’s not. Philippine rugby has got a stronghold and is growing all the time in the country. We will continue beyond next year, whatever the result may be. But we would like to make sure we continue in the top flight, that is for sure,” said Phl coach Jarred Hodges.

Although similarly winless in three starts, UAE is in no way an easy outing for the embattled Volcanoes.

“UAE is very experienced and has been in the Top 5 for a number of years...They’re big and physical so we’re going to need to be up for the contest,” said Hodges, back to call the shots for this home match after missing out the Pinoys’ first fixture at Rizal against HK to attend to personal matters.

Phl has made some changes for the all-important duel with UAE, bringing in veterans Phil Abraham, Michael de Guzman and Nick Perry to shore up the injury-hit forward pack.

“I’m confident that this week at home, people are going to see a different side. We have made a few personnel changes that will strengthen us; guys who have been injured and are now fit will give it a go. I think we will surprise people,” said Hodges.

The Volcanoes’ mentor said the first three outings served as a good learning experience.

“We have improved week on week but it’s now time to string two 40-minute halves together. We know if we can compete for 80 minutes, we’re going to win more games than we lose,” said Hodges.

He bared they are exerting extra effort to improve their set-pieces and other areas that have been wanting in their previous matches.

“One of our biggest challenges is to step for set pieces, consolidate our set pieces, bring physicality, claim possession well, defend well. The big thing is really try to get consistency for 80 minutes,” said Hodges, recalling how his wards were in the game for some 20 to 40 minutes before folding up and allowing their rivals to run away with victories.