Sri Lanka’s moment of truth

How good are we? Well, the ‘curtain raiser’ of the Singer Rugby Asiad on the 3rd of November against China will prove whether we have progressed in rugby or not. This is a vital game for us. Having seen the steady improvement of China in International rugby, I believe that Sri Lanka has the potential to match up to them provided we concentrate on basics. Our front 5 – must be solid in scrums, particularly the front row where Jeewa Galgamuwa (skipper), has all the experience. With him are Kishore Jehan and Shamil Mohamed, the latter I would say could also fit in as a flanker, lock or No. 8.

The selectors have done a good job taking into consideration substitutes who are priority in such a tournament. Our 2nd and 3rd row forwards should be able to hold their own against their opponents. But one failing is that in scrums one finds 3rd row players ‘relaxing’ or ‘resting’. I have watched Lewke who I single out to be one player who gives his ‘all’. We have to win up front or lose the game.

Another aspect is tackling. Sometimes players leave it to others to get their man! We have to bring an opponent DOWN and hard – make them feel the tackle but play CLEAN. We have tendency to be lethargic in tackling which invariably ends in the other side scoring. Let’s watch our players carefully on the 3rd.

We have an attacking and talented three quarter line which can penetrate any defence provided they receive ‘good’ ball from the set pieces and quick ball from rucks. The halves combination selected are smooth and effective. Amjad Buksh and Saliya Kumara who team up with Fazil Marja and Ashan de Costa are entertaining players with natural flair.
Overall we are not short of replacements. Fitness, Strength, Stamina and the WILL TO WIN are key factors that will decide our games.

Kazakhstan, if they field their best team, should be a formidable side with heavily built forwards. Their three quarters also carry weight but are not as nippy as Sri Lanka’s. The heat may have an effect on their play.

Malaysia is an improved team who can create some upsets. They have the knowledge and concentrate on basics. Chinese Taipei I heard has made vast strides in their play but to me they have not been very impressive. Thailand was a much improved side a few years ago. They were even able to give South Korea a torrid time in the past – this I remember in the Busan Asian Games in Korea. India, Qatar, Pakistan and Iran will field teams in the bottom half. The game in South India is gaining some popularity and there has been interaction between club teams from Sri Lanka and South India. A great effort is being made to promote and develop the game and fielding a team for the Asiad is a fine achievement. In Pakistan and Iran too rugby is gaining popularity.

What about the players who did not attend practices as they had gone to France to watch the World Cup final? I have been a national selector in the past and also served on the disciplinary committee of the SLRFU. I was asked this question from many rugby fans: “Bryan, what would you have done?” I quite understand the position taken by Anton Benedict in this matter. He is a tough disciplinarian and the selectors must be given due hearing.

First of all there seems to be a communication gap. The SLRFU maintains that they were aware that these players were going to France and that they had obtained permission. The selectors say that they were not aware that approval was given. So, at this moment of time, instead of arguing as to who is right and who is wrong (which will obviously end in a stalemate), I said that the selectors should include these players (under protest, if necessary) into the squad, which means that this matter must be discussed later at length in order to ensure that such a misunderstanding does not occur in the future. Players should not be penalised if there was a communication problem between the SLRFU and the selectors, as I can see.

Under the circumstances, I also consider the action taken by Minister of Sports and Recreation Gamini Lokuge as correct in this issue.
These very players, if selected for the game against China, will have to give of their very best individually and also contribute largely to working as a team. This is a challenge for them and I hope Sri Lanka achieves success.