Japan effected a stunning comeback win in the finals of the Asia rugby qualifier after trailing 10 – 00 in the first half against Hong Kong.
5th minute in to the second half Japan scored the first try and from then on they exploited the attack over Hong Kong to finish victorious. Full time Japan 24 – 10 Hong Kong.
Photo Album – Sri Lanka v Philippines – Asia 7’s Olympic Qualifier
Sri Lanka Tuskers finished fourth overall after losing to Japan in the semifinal 43 – 00 and losing to South Korea 26 – 21 in the 3rd & 4th play-off. In the Asia sevens series final leg in Colombo a few weeks ago it was a much better performance by the Tuskers as they lost 26 – 19 to Japan.
However, Sri Lanka has another chance to qualify in the Olympics through an international repechage system. Sixteen countries will vie for that next June including Hong Kong and South Korea from Asia and Australia, Samoa and Tonga from Pacific nations. Teams from Europe, Africa and America will also compete in this tournament with just the winner going through to Rio.
Sri Lanka 21 – 26 South Korea
Sri Lanka had early possession and territorial advantage inside opposite 22m but it was Korea who scored first. After a huge physical battle Tuskers managed to equalize with scorching try by senior man Gayan Weerarathne. Just before the half time, Fazil Marija chipped the ball to open space where Sandun Herath did the chase, but it was kicked in to touch by the Korean player inside the 22m.
In the second half Korea scored two back to back tries and the second one came when Shenal Dias was sin-binned for coming sideways in the ruck. Koreans used the ball out wide and with sheer power to go for another try and that almost secured the victory for them.
Captain Muthuthantri came on to the field with only 2.50 minutes left and he scored one in the left flank to reduce the gap. Hirantha Perera made a superb catch in the air despite having trouble with high ball in the first game. And also he made some good yards. However, it was Srinath Sooriyabandara who finished up with a sparkling try as he ran from almost close to the 22m. It was too little too late for the Tuskers to finish at 3rd place.
Sri Lanka 50 – 05 Philippines
Tuskers started the day two on a high note as they thrashed the Philippines 50 – 05 with eight (8) tries after leading 22 – 00 at the half time. Anurudda Wilwara who did not do much on day one was astounding, in this game as he started off the proceedings with try in the right flank. Srinath Sooriyabandara then came to the action with his dazzling footwork and nicely off loaded to Dhanushka Ranjan to score. Sri Lanka won a penalty in the breakdown and Gayan Weerarathne’s quick tap was taken by Ranjan to score his second. Sooriyabandara effected some stunning individual skills in a 50m run to score the next try.
After the break Richard Dharmapala dummied and went under the post followed by Ranjan’s majestic run to decimate the opposition. Richard scored his second with another individually brilliant performance and Gayan Weerarathene put his name to a try in the left flank. Just before the final whistle Philippines scored their first try and the crowd were on their feet for the effort.
Coach Mat Turner stated to ThePapare.com “It shows the gap of the top and the middle level of the Asia rugby at the moment, Korea and us such closely matched and it swung in their favour”
The Sri Lanka women’s team failed the acid as they lost to China 47 – 07 and Kazakhstan 31 – 07. Also in the 5th place game against Guam 21 – 05. The ladies who beat Guam in day one could not continue that momentum. Nevertheless, the second leg will be in Japan in two weeks. Kat Merchant the coach said that “the girls need to learn the law on the breakdowns and rucks, also we are lacking power in contact to make turnovers, hopefully we will try to recover as much as possible before leaving to Japan”. The good news for the Sri Lanka women’s team is that they have been invited for the IRB sevens series ‘Hong Kong sevens’’ next year.
