Sri Lanka 7s rugby team is in South Korea ahead of the Asian Games rugby seven’s tournament to be held in Incheon from 30th September to 02nd October.
The highlight of this tour thus far is that the Tuskers will miss their coach Setefano Cakau. Earlier it was said by the president of the SLRFU Asanga Seneviratne, that Cakau promised he will be in the island in a week’s time after the general election in Fiji, however, it is confirmed that the coach has been selected in the Fijian sevens team ahead of the IRB world series which will kick off next month in Australia. In Cakau’s absence, President Mr. Seneviratne will do the caretaking role in this tournament.
The Tuskers will take on Chinese Taipei in the first day as the only match (SL time 1.15 p.m.) followed by India (SL Time 9.48 am) and the host Korea (SL Time 12.06 pm) in the second day. Marija’s men has already played with Chinese Taipei in the Asian series in Hong Kong and won comfortably in the third place play-off in Malaysia three weeks ago, Korea overcame Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, in a game of seven’s, things can change as quickly as the margin of error is very small. Neighboring India on the other hand stands way behind the Tuskers and as a result Sri Lanka should be able to beat them comfortably.
Sri Lanka team currently holds the fourth place in Asia in the 2014 sevens circuit. Sri Lanka should aim for a higher position as the 3rd place and bring back the bronze medal if they play to their potential. Veteran skipper Fazil Marija speaking exclusively to www.ThePapare.com said – “We are confident on this tour even without our coach, even in the Asian 7’s we came so close to beat Hong Kong, we hope to bring a medal to our motherland.”
Hong Kong and Japan looking strongest contestant for the Gold medal despite the host Korea having the home advantage and also they shocked Japan in the Asian 7’s series first round in China in the cup semi-final. Hong Kong captain Jamie Hood, Tom McQueen and Rowan Varty is in fine form. Moreover, Shigenori Someyama and Lomano Lava Lemeki of Japan are also in the leading point’s scorer list in the Asian seven’s series will be a big impact for the brave blossoms.
Korean winger Yeonsik Jeong scored 9 tries in the Malaysian 7’s leg few weeks ago and they will certainly be a strong contender when playing at home. Mithun Hapugoda who was a regular 7’s player missed out on the first two Asian 7’s legs due to an injury in the Carlton 7’s campaign and he is now recovered and his nippy work will add some spark for The Tuskers.
Sensational Srinath Sooriyabandara and experienced Gayan Weerarathne will have to bring their expertise in to the field whilst Nigel Ratwatte, Danushka Ranjan, Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Sudarshana Muthuthantri needs to give their utmost best to form a winning combination. A lot will depend on the ‘Man of Steel’ Anurudda Wilwara who’s having an astonishing five months in all the 7’s tournaments. He was appraised by several commentators for his remarkable comeback and his strong sprints along the flanks will be vital with the Fijian-born Lankan Waqavulangi Emori not been selected.
Comparing with the last two Asian 7’s series it is most likely that Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Sri Lanka will compete in the cup semi-finals and gold, silver and bronze matches will be decided from the results of that minus a surprise from another nation.
Sri Lanka squad: Fazil Marija (captain), Srinath Sooriyabandara, Gayan Weeraratne, Shehan Pathirana, Nigel Ratwatte, Sudarshana Muthuthanthri, Dinusha Chathuranga, Dhanuska Ranjan, Anuruddha Wilwara, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Lavanga Perera and Mithun Hapugoda.
