Bedok Kings To Raise The Bar

The Kings go into the final round of fixtures, knowing that it will take an improved performance from last weekend’s poor second half showing over the Wanderers to win against SCC and lay their claim on the NRC crown that has eluded them last season.

Head coach Danny ‘Tau Sa Pao’ Tauroa and team manager Tony ‘TK’ King are under no illusions that every single player needs to step up in this crucial clash, but are pleased with how their preparations have gone.

“There has been a lot of talk from the players about how we have to lift our game play, and that is a good sign that they want to improve individually and as a team,” said TK.

When questioned on the consistency of play, Tauroa said, “We cannot play at the same level as in last weekend’s second half performance and expect to emerge as the league champions. They are a different side from the last time we played them, they embarrassed Bucks but threw us a lifeline.”

“Our set piece work – the lineouts and scrums, have to dominate the contest, as do the breakdown situations. Our first phase attack needs to be much sharper as well. The quality of possession both first phase and off breakdowns will dictate who wins the game.”

The responsibility of ensuring a sturdy platform during scrums rests heavily on the shoulders of NTU’s duo of Rebel Rong and Mark ‘Mr. Bicep’ Lee.

“Ever since our loss against Bucks, we have been getting a lot of s**t during trainings, ‘Bay of Plenty’ style. Come scrum time, we’ll be ready. I can’t wait to unleash some fury on them,” claimed Rebel Rong.

“At the beginning of the season, we set ourselves the target of winning the league. And certainly after the loss against Bucks it looked like a forlorn goal, but the boys have bounced back well and we are really excited about the challenge,” TK said.

Previously on the injury list with rib cartilage damage, NTU probable ‘Mr. V’ Rongy is hopeful of his side’s chances.

“While we do feel a great weight of expectations, we’ve got to be able to cope with it. We can’t shy away from the fact that rugby is hugely competitive and there’ll be a winner and a loser, but we want to be the winner,” revealed Rongy.

“We are consciously trying to change the culture so that we want to win every game we play. It’ll be a huge weekend and we’re ready for it,” said Tauroa.