Experienced Sri Lanka face NZ Under 85 kg in second match on Saturday

Sri Lanka winger Kavindu Perera on an attacking move

• Selection policy under heavy scrutiny after SL’s heavy 50-point  defeat

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka rugby fraternity was left stunned after a 50-point heavy defeat to a well-drilled New Zealand Under-85kg outfit in the first leg of their tour at Nittawela Stadium in Kandy last weekend. 

Kiwi side, known for their pace, structure, and tactical execution, ran riot in the hill capital, scoring at will as Sri Lanka struggled to find rhythm or cohesion. Despite fielding a young and energetic squad, the home side was simply not prepared to counter the relentless pressure from a more organized and better-prepared New Zealand unit.

The selection policy has come under heavy scrutiny, with many pointing to the decision to field a fresher side lacking in top-tier experience. Headed by Sudath Sampath, the selection committee opted to rest senior players in favour of blooding new talent a move that has now spectacularly backfired.

Star players such as Tarinda Ratwatte, Tharindu Chathuranga, Heshan Jensen, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, and Janidu Dilshan were left out of the starting lineup for the first leg, a decision that raised eyebrows even before kickoff. Their absence was sorely felt as Sri Lanka failed to impose themselves at any stage of the match.

Tarinda Ratwatte, in particular, brings leadership, experience, and composure qualities that were badly missing in Kandy. Sri Lanka lacked structure in attack and defence will welcome Tarinda Ratwatte for this game coming out of injury and one proper training session. Only two surprises in the final 25 for match Number 2 on 10 May with Full Back, Mursheed Doray and Winger, Kavindu Perera failing to find a berth in the final squad.

Danushka Ranjan, one of the most explosive backs in the country, could have added a much-needed edge to the Sri Lankan backline. His ability to break the line and create something out of nothing would have offered hope against the structured Kiwi defence. The inclusion of fresher players, though admirable from a developmental perspective, placed enormous pressure on a group with limited exposure to high-intensity international-level rugby. The youthful side was unable to handle the speed, decision-making, and clinical finishing of the New Zealanders.

Selectors appeared to underestimate the strength and preparation of the New Zealand Under-85kg team. Despite their weight cap, the Kiwis came with experience, having trained together for weeks and analysed Sri Lankan performances closely since February, as confirmed by NZ coach Walker.

The visitors, blending players from Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington, showed intelligent rugby with slick handling, aggressive breakdown work, and rapid transitions. Sri Lanka had no answer and were found wanting in both physical and tactical aspects of the game.

What makes the defeat even more painful is the fact that the New Zealanders were not entirely unknown. This same outfit had gained a reputation in the regional circuit for disciplined, free-flowing rugby. Yet, Sri Lanka appeared underprepared.

Post-match, murmurs within the rugby community have turned to anger, with many asking why proven performers were rested for such a high-profile game. The selectors gamble, driven perhaps by long-term vision, failed to consider the immediate consequences.

Now, with the return leg looming, Sri Lanka is set to bring back its heavyweights. All six senior players named are expected to feature as the hosts seek redemption and aim to salvage pride.

But the pressure is now immense, not just on the players, but on the selectors as well. The fans demand accountability, and nothing short of a strong performance in the next match will suffice.

For Sri Lanka, the damage is already done in terms of the series, but a convincing showing in the second leg could restore confidence and offer lessons going forward for the Asia Rugby Top 4 which will kick off next month with home games against UAE and South Korea before touring Hong Kong.

Likely Sri Lanka squad

Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Thanuja Ranaweera, Navin Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nilar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Heshan Jensen, Nigel Ratwatte (Capt.), Janidu Dilshan, Tarinda Ratwatte, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake and Srinath Sooriyabandara.

Stand by

Venura Kodagoda, Vimukthi Gamage, Hafiz Thabeeth, Senura Perera, Lahiru Thilakaratne, Mohamed Rifan, Shaahid Zumri, Akash Madushanka, Dahan Wickremarachchi and Thenuka Nanayakkara.