Wigmen up for test

THE Wigmen are ready to take on the Rabaul Gurias as underdogs when the two side meet in the Digicel Cup preliminary final at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
The match is expected to be a blockbuster with the winners advancing to next Sunday’s grand final against reigning champions Lae Tigers in Port Moresby.
Minor premiers Gurias, who lost 10-30 to the Tigers in Sunday’s major semifinal, will look to bounce back from a poor second-half display which cost them dearly.
Wigmen coach Charlie Wabo told The National yesterday that he would retain the same side who edged the Port Moresby Vipers 12-8 on Sunday.
“There were couple of players who had sustained some niggling injuries,” the former Papua New Guinea Kumuls rake said.
“But I am confident they will be fine and we’ look to retain the same 17.
“We are going into this game as the underdogs.
“The Gurias are a very tough side – they’ve always been.
“They have some experienced campaigners in their team. But for us, we just have to maintain the same intensity from last week.
“We are satisfied with our performance against the Vipers.
“We just have to improve on a few areas.”
The Gurias had the Tigers on the ropes last week when they led 12-10 until the 63rd minute.
However, the Tigers then capitalised on unforced errors by the Gurias to score three unanswered tries in the last 15 minutes.
Gurias coach Marcus Kaugla said last week that they would need to improve on their defence heading into the preliminary final.
“We are good but our defence around the ruck is an issue and we have to sort that out,” he said.
“Ball security is also another concern but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”