Sri Lankan Tuskers playing some good rugby in the recent past take on the top 5 in the A5Nations beginning 26th April 2014.
The 23- member squad which was announced yesterday will leave the shores this evening to participate in their first game against Korea on the 26th 8.30am Sri Lanka time.
Sri Lanka despite being promoted to the top division in 2011 slid down in 2012 before once again fighting its way to the top division this year. The chances of beating Hong Kong and Philippines could be looked at as a realistic opportunity and one win out of that will help them to remain in the Top tier for next year too. But the Koreans who have got the home advantage in the opener in Seoul will be a tough assignment for the Tuskers. Nevertheless, playing against Japan will no doubt be the fierce challenge. The Hong Kong side playing a number of ex-pats were unable to score against Japan last year as they lost 38 – 00.
On the other hand Japan is the most successful team in Asia as they competed in every IRB rugby world cups since its inaugural tournament in 1987 and they will be the host nation for the Rugby World Cup 2019 which will be the first time in Asian contingent. Japan beat Korea 64 – 05. Philippines 121 – 00, UAE 93 – 03 in the last year’s Asian 5 nation’s tournament.
A5Nations Table Top 5 (2013)
Stats (ARFU)
Sri Lanka indeed won many hearts especially in the concluded Hong Kong 7’s fortnight ago in front of 40,000 spectators despite not being able to win a single match. However, Asian 5 nations is a different format and the Tuskers not having been in training together for long are under prepared.
A win against Hong Kong and Philippines will be an absolutely brilliant performance; a good fight with Korea too will be a crucial factor in the opener in terms of developing as a team. Moreover, keeping Japan under a score of 50 could be considered exceptional and something to build on for the future.
A5Nations Table Division 1 (2013)
Stats (ARFU)
High Profiled Asian Players
Shota Horie, the Japanese hooker is currently playing for the Melbourne Rebels team in the super XV’s and he has been a stand out player in this season for the Rebels. Horie is a powerful force with an attacking style of play; he spins after hits so quickly and squeezes in to spaces in seconds. Hong Kong’s Rowan Varty, London born he is the first ever Hong Kong international to play for the Barbarians team in 2013 against England at Twickenham. He is a little dynamite and well known for his speed and footwork which is an obvious threat to the opposition. Varty plays a key role in the full back position at times at wing too. Gwong Min Kim of Korea is a try machine wing and is the highest try scorer in the Asian 5 nations 2013. Kim had 8 tries to his name in 4 matches which was a remarkable performance. Korea has beaten Japan in the past and Kim’s form will be a certain factor for the game against Japan and the rest. His strength and speed will play a vital role for the Koreans this year too. Sri Lanka squad is due to leave the island today.
Namal Rajapaksa has been appointed captain of the side. Heshan Kalhara, the youngster from Kingswood is set to make his debut for the Tuskers. However Fly half Fazil Marija who is said to have missed training is a notable absentee.
Namal Rajapaksa
Namal is rated a good leader. He has shown outstanding control and rugby sense with an ability to think on his feet. He has been brilliant in the concluded Dialog league for champions Navy S.C and played a key role in the pack on Serendib cup and last year’s A5nations.
The Wing Duo Chamara Dabare & Sandun Herath
Both scored 3 tries each in the last year’s A5nations in Colombo. Herath is in a good form named the leading try scorer in the Dialog league 2013/14. He gained experience in the Hong Kong 7’s where his skills and speed were tested. Dabare was outstanding last year but did not have a convincing domestic league. However, he is known to perform well in the international stage and will surely strive to eclipse those performances.
Henry, Sharo & Bilal
These 3 giants performed remarkably well for their local clubs in the concluded Dialog league. Certainly Tuskers need 110% from these three with their big hits, turnovers and quick off loads.
Rizah Mubarak
Last year’s man of the tournament with 11 conversions and 8 penalties with a tally of 46 points under his name Rizah became the highest point’s scorer in the A5Nations division 1 champion’s side. Despite not having a rollicking domestic league, his experience makes him first choice full back for the side.
Leonard De Zilwa (Coach)
De Zilwa has proved his ability amply taking Navy to a season double and is a coach known for working the basics. “It will be a challenge for the boys to retain their positions in the team as well as to be in the top 5“stated the coach to ThePapare.com
Fixtures
The Sri Lanka squad for the first match against Korea is as follows :
Forwards : Sathya Ranathunga, Namal Rajapaksa ( C ), Terrence Henry, Heshan Kalhara, Achala Perera
Locks : Sharo Fernando, Hasitha Perera, Suhiru Anthony, Dinesh Sanjeewa
Third Row : Dhanushka Perera, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Bilal Hassen, Dushantha Lewke
Scrum Half : Roshan Weerarathna, Srinath Sooriyabandara
Fly Half : Niroshan Fernando, Chanaka Chandimal
Centre : Lee Keegal, Dhanushka Ranjan, Dinusha Chathuranga
Wing : Sandun Herath, Chamara Dabare
Full Back : Rizah Mubarak
Coach : Leonard De Zilwa
Manager : Air Commodore Leonard Rodrigo
Trainer : Mothilal Jayathilaka
Physio : Priyankara Buddhika
