INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines looks to move up to the next level in international rugby when it tackles Guam in the final of the Asian Five Nations Division III Rugby Tournament at the Nomads field in Merville, Parañaque City.

The RP Volcanoes have won their last three matches against the Guamanians and are the favorites in the 3 p.m. battle Saturday, which stakes a slot for promotion to Division II in Asian rugby.

After watching the Volcanoes squander several opportunities in the 15-0 shutout of a bigger Iran squad in the semifinals Wednesday, RP coach Matt Cullen expects a more “polished performance” from his team.

“I expect an improved performance,” said Cullen. “This game is very important as it offers a great opportunity to prove that we are a rugby power in Asia.”

Cullen hopes there won’t be any repeat of the lapses that put a blot on their semifinal victory.

“It was good to get the mistakes out of the way in the first game. But we can’t afford to do that against Guam,” said Cullen, whose squad failed to score in the first half against Iran and missed five field goals that would have easily given them 15 points.

The Volcanoes pulled through in the second half, scoring two tries, courtesy of winger Harry Morris and Matt Saunders.

Guam advanced to the finals with a relatively easy 18-3 dumping of Indonesia, but coach Willie Hetaraka sees little luxury in facing the Volcanoes.

“It will be tough,” said Hetaraka. “The Philippines plays a fast and entertaining style, but our team is more physical and we will come out very aggressive.”