Can CR beat Navy?

Friday, 31 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The weekend will see the continuation of the second round. Two key games will be worked off, CR vs Navy and Havies Vs Kandy. In the first round Navy got the better of CR thanks to some stunning decisions by the referee. As a result of that game the referee has decided to quit referring and also tendered an apology to CR. Unfortunately the rules of the game are such that they do not permit the change in the outcome of the game, which should actually have been won by CR. Last week CR had a good overall game but did not do enough to secure a win. In recent times CR has played some quality rugby but at times lack the finishing touches to score. It could be a case of over enthusiasm, lack of discipline at vital moments of the game, or downright selfish play by an individual at that point in time. If they play as a single cohesive unit, they are capable of beating any of the top sides and so far their margin of defeat in key games has been by less than a single score.

Navy on the other hand have played some solid and rather physical rugby. Whilst the physicality has merit, it could easily be tamed by a shrewd side. Navy thrives on possession and if they are starved of quality ball and quick ball they have shown their weakness in giving away crucial penalties in their bid to regain possession. This battle should be enthralling to the rugby purist and Navy at Welisara is a tough team to beat. During this season in games involving the forces we have seen the booing of the opposition when a kick at goal is being attempted. It is quite sad that this phenomenon is permitted to continue and the powers that be must put an end to it. In the other game, Havies will take on Kandy in the hills. In the first round Havies beat Kandy quite convincingly. It has been said that Kandy play badly away from home and thus meeting at home in Nittawela will be a different kettle of fish. Havies right through the season have not displayed a sense of fluency in their play and have on a number of instances relied on a late rally/burst to win in the final quarter. This is something that most opposing teams would have noticed and if the opposition is able to build a sizeable lead early, Havies could struggle to catch up. Kandy has had a shakeup in the caching staff after their first round defeat to Havies and I am sure that this will be playing on the minds of the coaching staff as well as the players. It is bound to be a close and tense game and the key would be to grab all opportunities that come your way. On the international front we will see the start of the Six Nations championship. Wales will take on Italy, France will host England and Ireland will be at home to Scotland. There has been some stunning changes to the team line up and it will be interesting to see how the new ‘guys’ cope with the pressure. (The writer can be reached via [email protected].)