Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 UAE prevails in tensed encounter with Sri Lanka 29/21

Saturday, 5 July 2025 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 witnessed an intense battle at the Racecourse ground in Colombo when UAE edged out Sri Lanka by 29 points (4 tries, 3 conversions, 1 penalty) to 21 points ( 2 tries, 1 conversion, 3 penalties) yesterday

At the short breather UAE led 22/16.

Playing under pressure, UAE showed immense character to prevail against a spirited Sri Lankan side that never backed down until the final whistle. With this win UAE moves forward to number 2 position plus keep their Rugby World Cup 2027 hopes alive with an African nation second placed team home and away encounter awaiting them.

Sri Lanka forwards, Vimukthi Gamage, Tharindu Chathuranaga, Thilina Bandara and Lasindu Karunathilake were outstanding both in defence as well in attack surpassing the heavier UAE forwards. They played a brave game compared to their opponent’s experience in the Asian region.

Scrum half, Mohamed Rifan too was omnipresent with his foxing moves. Skipper Tarinda Ratwatte did well on his part but both Dinal Ekanayake and Adam Gauder lacked the good ball most part of the game while Akash Madushanka was a marked man by the UAE three quarters.

For UAE BradlyJanes, Andrew semple, Max Johnson, Sakiusa Naisau were outstanding both in defense as well in attack.

UAE drew first blood in the 7th minute of the game through a James Crossley try. Max Johnson was on target with a kick at goal. Tarinda Ratwatte slotted a 30 meter penalty to put the hosts on the board. Bradley Janes try and Johnson conversion took UAE into a lead 12/3 but Sri Lanka hit back through Mohamed Rifan try and Tarinda conversion to 12/10 favouring the UAE.

Sri Lanka took the lead for the first time in the 23rd minute through skipper Tarinda Ratwatte’s penalty. Johnson penalty took the UAE in front and Sakiusa Naisau lightning speed try and Johnson conversion took the, into 22/13 lead. Hosts skipper Tarinda Ratwatte had time for one more first half penalty to reduce the gap to 6 points.

After the turnaround Tarinda Ratwatte cross kick was well collected by hooker Shamindu Kaushan to touch down far right to reduce the gap to a single point. During this time of play Sri Lanka got two kickable penalties which were opted to kick to touch and gain territory and in the end lost out on points opportunities.

Jack Stapley scored the next UAE try and Johnson was on target with kick at goal to take them through number 2 position,

Referee was Craig Chan (HKCR).

Unbeaten Hong Kong is favoured to beat South Korea in South Korea’s Namdong Stadium and qualify for the RWC 2027 from Asia while the second placed team is likely UAE to play in home and away game against the African region number 2.

- Pix by

Upul Abayasekara

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