After a longer-than-expected break, Amatori Rugby Capoterra is preparing to resume its Serie B campaign . On Sunday, November 15th, on Matchday 4, the Giallorossi will host Polisportiva Abruzzo, a team from Chieti, at the Stadio Comunale on Via Trento.
The match will kick off at 1:00 PM, earlier than usual to accommodate the visiting team's logistical needs and flight connections. This is a familiar situation for Capoterra, who will have to deal with these changes throughout the season.
The last outing for the boys coached by Marcello Garau was on October 25th. On that occasion, they secured a significant victory against Rugby L'Aquila, beating them 30-26 in front of their home crowd. This victory allowed the Capoterra team to reach six points after the first two games.
THREE WEEKS OF WORK TO PREPARE THE RESTART
The suspension of the championship allowed the coaching staff to work on various aspects of their preparation. Training sessions continued with the goal of recovering energy , improving athletic condition, and gradually regaining the intensity needed to tackle the next match.
Particular attention was paid to defense, a department on which Garau focused a significant portion of his weekly work. While the team has already demonstrated strong scoring ability on the offensive end, with 34 points scored in Ostia and 30 against L'Aquila, the goal now is to limit the number of opportunities afforded to the opposition and find greater balance between the departments.
ABRUZZO SPORTS CLUB: RESULTS MUST NOT DECEIVE
The Abruzzo team represents a newcomer for Capoterra, who have never faced them in the Serie B championship . The guests currently occupy second-to-last position, with two points collected through three defeats: 28-59 against Frascati, 39-21 against Nuovo Salario and 34-36 against Villa Pamphili .
Despite the results, Chieti's team showed quality, especially in attack. This was also demonstrated in their last match, where they remained in contention until the end, losing to Villa Pamphili by just two points. It will therefore be crucial for the Giallorossi to approach the match with caution, without being influenced by their opponents' position.
FULL STAFF, BALBONI READY TO RETURN
Regarding player availability, there are positive signs. Coach Garau will be able to count on his entire squad: Smeraldo and Biccu have recovered from the injuries they suffered during the match against L'Aquila and are eligible again.
Among the new additions is the return of Balboni. The second row has completed a three-week suspension following the red card he received in his opening match against Fiamme Oro. His return offers another option in an important position, especially in the scrum and lineouts.
Referee Federico Uccheddu of the Nuoro section will officiate the match. Capoterra's goal is to get off to a good start and capitalize on home advantage to secure another positive result.