Volcanoes fight for ‘Asian 5’ life

THE PHILIPPINE rugby team will try to neutralize what they lacked in experience with their natural quickness as they go up against United Arab Emirates in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations relegation tie tonight at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Volcanoes will fight to stay in the elite group of the Asian Rugby Club until next year, while UAE which will try to do the same in the 7 p.m. match.

Both teams are winless after three matches and the losing club will slide to Division 1.

But the visitors will flash their experience, having played in the A5N longer than the Filipinos who only made it this year following a breakthrough run in Division 1 last year.

“We are in the same boat as UAE but our players reacted very well despite losing to Japan, Korea and Hong Kong,” coach Jarred Hodges said during yesterday’s final presser for the closing match of the A5N.

“Everyone’s confident and looking forward to playing in front of our families, friends and supporters,” he added even as the Australian mentor made a shout out for Filipino fans to troop to the venue to cheer for the team.

“We hope to have as many supporters as possible and they make as much noise as possible,” Hodges said.

While he acknowledged that UAE is “the bigger team,” Hodges said the Volcanoes can cover for it through speed, which could open up spaces and possibilities for the home team.

Veterans Phil Abraham, Michael de Guzman and Nick Perry will man the forward positions for the Filipinos.

Hong Kong, which beat the Filipinos here three weeks ago, will go for the No. 2 slot against Korea. Japan is secured on top spot in the elite group.