Sri Lanka Rugby U20 sevens team departed to Hong Kong ahead of the Asia sevens second leg last evening. The tournament will take place on the 12th & 13th of August at Kings Park.
The Junior Tuskers were crowned champions in the first leg in Malaysia a fortnight ago, thrashing South Korea 38 – 00 in the finals. It was a historic moment for Sri Lanka rugby, as it was the 1st time Sri Lanka won a cup title in any age group. Although Sri Lanka lost to Japan 19 – 14 in the first leg, they managed to win their next five games.
One notable absentee from the tournament is the Japan U20 team, who will not take part in this event.
The Junior Tuskers have been drawn in pool A alongside Malaysia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
The only potential problem the Tuskers will face is having to play on the artificial turf; something they found difficult the last time they played at Kings Park. Captain Kevin Dixon speaking to ThePapare.com said “It is very hard to play in the artificial turf, but we will try our best and think this as a new game and a new tournament.”
Former Science College winger Supun Dilshan will join the squad as a debutant in place of Asitha Punchihewa who has been left out of the touring party.
Photo Album – Sri Lanka U20 National 7s Team Last Practice Session
Sri Lanka’s forwards, Omalka Gunarathne, Taariq Salih, Lasindu Ishan and Nishon Perera all contributed immensely in the first leg and they will expect to do the same in Hong Kong. Rehan Silva was outstanding with the high ball in the restart from the kickoff. These players will need to continue their recent form in Hong Kong.
Reeza Raffaideen, the former Kingswood captain, has been outstanding and was the leading try scorer in Malaysia with 7 tries while 3 of the 5 top points scorers of the 1st leg were from the Sri Lankan team.
Sri Lanka is currently on top with 14 points with South Korea in second place with 12 points. Japan has 10 points, Malaysia 8 points and Hosts Hong Kong have only 7 points. The same points system will be carried forward for the Hong Kong leg. The Junior Tuskers are in a strong position to seal the overall title for the first time in history.
ThePapare.com will bring you live coverage from Hong Kong – stay tuned for all the updates.
