Following Bucks’ surprise loss against SCC two weekends ago and SCC’s failure to register a victory against the Wanderers last weekend, the title race is once again between arch rivals Bedok Kings and Bucks. For the Kings, however, it’s a chance for redemption after a humiliating defeat by Bucks in the second round; and a golden opportunity to stake their claim on the league crown.

Pleased but not content with the Kings’ demolition of SAFSA last weekend, head coach Danny ‘Tau Sa Pao’ Tauroa has warned the Wanderers to expect a fiery encounter after labeling the upcoming clash with as a ‘must-win’ for Bedok Kings.

“I would expect this weekend to be pretty intense as we need to win with bonus point as well. To be frank, we are not just going to win, we are going to win big,” said Tauroa.

A huge win with a bonus point will ensure that the Kings stay on top of the table with a two point buffer and a superior point difference over the Bucks, going into the final round next week.

Bedok Kings’ Rebel Rong insists his pack has been spurred into action by the criticism received after their defeat against Bucks. The Kings suffered a 39-17 loss at Turf City with much of the post-mortem focusing on the forwards, but as they prepare for the upcoming fixture, the NTU frontman believes it will be a different story.

“The loss was an abomination, there’s no hiding from it, but we can use that as motivation because I think we were all embarrassed by it to be honest. A lot has been said and it’s been translated into some hard work on the training pitch lately,” said Rebel Rong.

As for the flak coming the way of the forwards this week, Rebel Rong stated, “Criticism is criticism, as a professional sportsman you’re always going to get it. (But I’m STILL damn good anyway.)”

“The mark of a good team is how you respond to adversity, and what a great chance we have to do that against a hardworking Wanderers side,” added NTU probable Mark ‘Mr. Biceps’ Lee.

Following harsh comments, especially from Daniel ‘Potato’ Thiam and Rongy (aka Mr. V, for good memories’ sake), Mark revealed, “It really hurts when it comes from people you respect, your coaches and teammates. When you have things said from coaches and players, it does sting a great deal. I’m determined to play well against the Wanderers.”

A key player missing the action is NTU probable and SMU target, Rongy. He sustained a bruised rib cartilage during the defeat against Bucks and was disappointed to have failed the fitness test.

“It’s a nightmare when you're injured, you feel left out of everything. It really hurts to be on the sidelines (building f**king useless tents) because you’re denied the chance to do your job, what you love doing. And when you have a serious injury like mine it just throws everything into doubt and all sorts of things start going through your head. Thankfully, I’ve got a decent supply of some 3rd generation painkillers to get high on... I mean to keep the pain away and all.”

Kings have made a key positional change, moving ‘Potato’ Thiam out to the centre position.

“He’s a good player,” said Bedok boss, Tony King (TK), who has given the green light with Thiam’s conversion to No.13, or rather a ‘conversion BACK to No.13’.

“We were keen to keep him as flyhalf. I still think that’s his position, but we’ll see what happens and I’m sure he’ll be fired up on the weekend to play well,” said TK.

When asked about the tactical changes to the squad (TK refused to comment as usual, and of course, the editors had their share of verbal abuse while asking), Tauroa said, “Obviously you change your strategy and your techniques as per the teams you play, so there’ll be subtle changes definitely.”

“Our weapon lies in our backline, when in form, can unleash a demonic fury which scrambles the senses and resistance of opponents. The forwards will step up as well, I’m sure. We’ll have to restrain Chris Gilbert’s octopus-like dexterity in the lineouts and dominate the set pieces.”

“We just need to add some balance to our game plan. There is no doubt we can play, and that we can move the ball around in the hands. We have plenty of danger and pace and our set pieces are improving but we need to defend properly and put ourselves in the opposition half more than we have been doing. Tactically we have to be very astute, squeeze the life out of them and keep the scoreboard ticking,” Tauroa said.