Preview to Tri-Universities: NTU to repeat 2004?

Strong arch rivals to NUS, NTU has often played second-fiddle to NUS in many tournaments. The history between the two sides go way back and the last time NTU recorded a victory against NUS was way back in 2004, where they beat NUS to win the IVP championships then.

However, since then, the side from Boon Lay has had little to celebrate and has had troubles recovering the form they once had to win in 2004. Sources tell us, the team was last heard to have had an internal strifle - resulting in a change in leadership and management.

Nevertheless, with their new management that took over recently, the team is looking good and ready to set the records straight in this Tri-Universities Rugby Championships. The team has recently hired former National 7s Coach, Dr Tom Browne and will be looking to see results under his philosophical guidance. NTU is also boosted with the re-signing of former 'graduated' skipper, Daniel Thiam, who had signed for NTU/NIE recently and will be looking to inspire the side once again.

In their preparation for the championships, the Boon Lay Warriors has played 3 test matches and interestingly lost all three. However, the side insist that they are on the right track to victory in the Tri-Unis and will be looking to prove it from the first game against host SMU.

The side who suffered a white-wash last year to NUS in the finals are tipped by our pundits to be a side not to be taken lightly and will certainly be a team who is capable of a fair bit of surprises in this tournament.

When interviewed about their chance of winning the championships over a phone-interview, Daniel Thiam said,

"We are taking this championships very seriously...we are trying to get Rong Jing Xing (National Prop who is also in NTU/NIE) to play so that we may stand a better chance of winning! But without Rong ah, think maybe no chance la."

Player to watch out for:

• Standoff - Daniel Thiam


• Scrumhalf - Yik Thai Hoe
  

Opening Match of the 1st Tri Universities Rugby Championships 2008 to be held at ACJC. Kick off 430pm SMU vs NTU