Glasgow 2014 will commence 23rd July 2014 and the rugby 7’s are scheduled to be played on the 26th & 27th July at the colourful and distinct atmosphere of IBROX Stadium in Glasgow where a capacity 51,000 spectators lends an electrifying aura. The Tuskers took wing yesterday with much hope and aspirations ahead of their campaign on the weekend.
The last international outing for the Sri Lanka Rugby men was in March at the Hong Kong 7’s where Sri Lanka won many hearts for their talents despite losing all the matches that they played but came very close on beating the Portuguese. The current squad however, is in prime form after two weekends of rigorous rugby in the Carlton 7’s local segment which was held in Kurunegala and Beliatta.
Anurudda Wilwara who became the man of the tournament in the Mercantile 7’s and who led the North Central Typhoons to be joint champs fortnights ago at the Carlton 7’s local segment was called in to the side and his presence will be a great advantage for the attacking line up. Danushka Ranjan and Mithun Hapugoda both went on a bid of Rs. 2.7million for the Carlton international 7’s segment will be the other two main attackers for the Tuskers. Ranjan, has already shown himself by scoring tries in the Hong Kong as well as the concluded A5Nations. Sandun Herath who got a niggle on his ankle in the first leg of Carlton 7’s did not play in the second leg and as a result he was rested and fit on board.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri and Shenal Dias have to do bring out their best defensive work whilst Shehan Pathirana and Richard Dharmapala are two youngsters who were on song since the inter club 7’s and therefore, will gain loads of experience in this tour. The experienced Dinusha Chathuranga who was recovering from the injury is found fit and will have to bring in all his international 7’s experience on board.
Fazil Marija the Golden boy of Sri Lanka Rugby will manage the game in the middle his experience and play making ability will no doubt come in handy. Srinath Sooriyabandara can be the most dangerous player for any opposition with his special 7’s skills.
Saliya Kumara, Gayan Weerarathne and Nigel Ratwatte who went for Hong Kong 7’s are the three players missing for Glasgow and their places were taken by Wilwara, Pathirana and Dharmapala who excelled in the club and Carlton 7’s.
Sri Lanka will play with the same opponents they played 4 years ago in Delhi, However, the current squad looks a formidable outfit and should overcome Uganda and will fight hard against the England and Australia no doubt. Australia of course won the silver medal and South Africa won the bronze in Delhi but the legendary ‘all black’ New Zealand in rampaging form of recent once again look the favourites to get the gold for the fifth consecutive occasion in Commonwealth rugby 7’s.
Glasgow Pool
Pool A – New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, Nigeria
Pool B – South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
Pool C – Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia
Pool D – England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Uganda
The Tuskers will take on Australia in the first match on 26th @ 15.24 followed by England @ 18.04 and Uganda at 1.12 am. The Sri Lankans have previously played against the English stars Dan Norton & Matt Turner who played for the Central Kings franchise during the 2012 Carlton international 7’s. Upon completion of the commonwealth 7’s most of the international players set to be back in the island for the 2014 edition of Carlton 7’s.
Latest update is the Yoshitha Rajapakse will not be present with the squad and Lavanga Perera goes in as his replacement.
Sri Lanka Squad
Fazil Marija, Richard Dharmapala, Anurudda Wilwara Lavanga Perera(Kandy SC)
Sudarshana Muthuthantri, Mithun Hapugoda, Shenal Dias, Danushka Ranjan, Sandun Herath, Shehan Pathirana (Havelocks)
Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy SC)
Srinath Sooriyabandara (Ex – Lions)
