The second leg of Asia 7s will get under way this Saturday in SCG Muan Thong stadium in Bangkok. ThePapare.com’s rugby duo Saabir Cader and Hiran Weerakkody will also be taking with wing with the team to bring you a comprehensive coverage direct from Thailand by courtesy of Entrust Group.
The Tuskers finished fourth in the first leg in China, however Captain Fazil Marija who missed out due to an injury is back 100% fit for the second leg. The team left the island this morning and will be playing their first match against Chinese Taipei on Saturday at 1.52 pm SL time. Later they will take on the defending champions Hong Kong at 4.22 pm SL time.
Quite surprisingly Hong Kong finished 5th in the first leg due to some extraordinary performances by the Chinese team. China looking solid after beating Hong Kong in the quarter final and Sri Lanka in the semifinal, but felt short against Japan in the final three weeks ago.
However, as a result of that, the Thailand leg will be more interesting as anyone from top 5 rankings (Japan, China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong) could win the title. Marija stated that after Japan’s historic win in the rugby world cup against the Springboks, “nothing is impossible” taking inspiration out of that game. Although he said he was not happy about the Tuskers finishing 4th in China he look forward to do better this weekend. He further stated that “I think we are the fastest team in this circuit if we can defend well we can win this game”
Moreover, there are four changes in the squad with more experience coming in. Navy speedster Dinusha Chathuranga is fit from his injury and he replaces Sandun Herath, the Havelock’s SC captain. Nigel Ratwatte the Kandy SC utility back missed out the first leg due to his piloting studies is also swapped over Lavanga Perera. CR&FC’s Jason Dissanayaka also getting a well-deserved chance for him to show his x factor, and captain Marija’s inclusion has left out Dulaj Perera and Hirantha Perera out of this leg.
Chairman of selectors Michael Jayasekera stated that they would like to shuffle the players according to their performance. Also they want to try out all the 16 players in the squad before the Olympic qualifiers in November. Only Rehan Thyagarajah and the man in form Rochana Hettiarachchi are still to get a Tuskers birth.
The final leg of the Asia 7s will take place in all its splendor at the Race Course international stadium in Colombo on 10th & 11th October 2015
Breaking new ground ThePapare.com`s rugby duo Saabir Cader (R) & Hiran Weerakkody (L) will be bringing you coverage of Asia Sevens Thailand leg direct from Bangkok courtesy of Entrust.
