Sipa highlights experience as vital in elimination final

PORT Moresby Vipers coach Joe Sipa says the experience of former Papua New Guinea Kumuls back Thompson Teteh and second-rower Ade Kawa is crucial to his side’s Digicel Cup aspirations.
The Moni Plus-sponsored side have retained a number of players from last year’s playoffs as they look to go one better than their top-four finish in 2020.
Sipa said he would count on skipper Teteh and former Mendi Muruk Kawa to lead the side in their elimination final against the Wigmen at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday.
“Finals experience does count so to have senior players like Teteh and Kawa is a bonus for us,” he said.
“They are great leaders in our team as well and they will certainly play important roles in the game against the Wigmen.”
He said another notable player was former Rabaul Guria Brian Gispe, who now operated out of dummy-half for the Vipers.
Gispe appeared in a number of finals since he played for Chimbu side TNA Lions in the 2015 grand final loss to the Gurias in his debut year.
Centre Ben Wemin, Former SP Hunter Shane Nigel and Joel Kee played in the finals last year.
Meanwhile, Vipers fullback John Stanley, who missed last week’s win over the Muruks through injury, will return for the do-or-die clash.
Sipa said Wemin, who filled in for Stanley, would shift back to centre to make way for their returning custodian.