Vipers eye upset

 IF the Port Moresby Vipers, who became

the second team in the Digicel Cup season to beat the Agmark Gurias in Kokopo’s Kalabond Oval last week, play their cards right they could be the first team to beat the Lae Tigers on Sunday.

The 2013 premiers sit in fourth spot with 14 points thanks to their 30-22 humbling of the Gurias and will take on the Tigers who are spoilt for choices with a full strength squad

Tigers coach Stanley Tepend said they had a lot of respect for the Vipers as they were the reigning premiers and had a quality roster of players.

“We have a lot of respect for the Vipers. They’ve earned it with some strong performances and no doubt they want to be the first to beat us this season,”

Tepend said.

“We have also been talking about them throughout the week and we are now looking forward to the match.

“A win will just give more momentum,”

Tepend said of his side that already

has one hand on the minor premiership

Tepend said despite the injury concerns after the win against the Muruks last weekend, all players had passed the fitness test, including captain Sydney Fred and are ready for what is their most important match of the season.

Tepend said a six men bench had been named with two to be omitted tomorrow. 

Hunters recruit Jason Tali returns to the side at centre as the Queensland Cup have only one match (Pride vs Tigers) scheduled. 

Papua New Guinea Under-19 representative Warren Glare who returned from the Commonwealth Nines tournament in Lanarkshire, Scotland, will start from the bench.

The Vipers halves in Sebulon Ragi and Tilix Kawage, plus dummy-half Stanley Torato are beginning to find their groove to support their powerful pack in Enoch Maki, Dick Nap, Nixon Kolo, Elijah Riyong and skipper Richard Kambo.

If the track is dry, the Vipers have a fighting chance to make a game of it. 

In the other match of the double-header the Enga Mioks take on the Mendi Muruks.