SL Underdogs in Opener

BY ASANKA GAMMANPILA IN DUBAI 

Underdogs Sri Lanka will open their campaign today when they take on Asian powerhouse and defending champions Japan at 4.12 p.m. (SL time) in the Dialog Asian Sevens Series here at Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City.

With less experienced players under the leadership of skipper Adeesha Weerathunga, Tuskers prepared themselves with much confidence to take on host UAE in the second game at 8.12 p.m., followed by China at 10.54 p.m. It is only against UAE that Sri Lanka have a good chance of winning, while seven-time Asia Rugby Seven Series winners mighty Japan is more powerful, and the game against China won’t be easy, as all teams are going flat out to secure a berth in next year’s Rugby World Cup in Cape town. Cup champions and the runner-up will secure spots in the Sevens World Cup in 2022. 

UAE also shouldn’t be taken lightly as they emerged Champions at a recently concluded West Asia Rugby 7s. Sources revealed to Ceylon Today the SL squad of twelve players are fully fit, and lack of match experience was the main issue they were facing. The sudden restart of rugby and playing an international tournament just after with less experienced players might be a disadvantage for the Tuskers. 

But players are in a positive mindset to face any task on the field today and tomorrow. They will adjust themselves match by match, and the starting line will be named according to the opponent they are facing. Sri Lanka must maintain the combination around experienced players like skipper Adeesha Weerathunga, Janidu Dilshan, Kanchana Ramanayake, Sachith Silva, Iroshan Silva and Sudharaka Dikkubura, with newcomers Samuel Ogbebor and Kushan Indunil who were outstanding with open play.

 On the other hand, Pool ‘A’ boasts of Asian powerhouses South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines and Malaysia. In Asian ranking Sri Lanka is currently in fourth place behind Japan, Hong Kong and China. 

Meanwhile, after a decade two junior local referees - Aaqil Jamaldeen and Dilum Deeshana - have received an opportunity to officiate at the Asian Sevens. Veteran IRB qualified referee Dilroy Fernando will be functioning as Performance Reviewer at the Asian Sevens. Squad: Adeesha Weerathunga (captain), Samuel Ogbebor, Kushan Indunil, Janidu Dilshan, Nuwan Perera, Ishara Madushan, Anjula Hettiarachchi, Sachith Silva, Iroshan Silva, Sudharaka Dikkubura, Kanchana Ramanayake and Nishon Perera

BY ASANKA GAMMANPILA IN DUBAI | Published: 2:00 AM Nov 19 2021