Omalka and Kavindu added to XV squad

Friday, 1 May 2026 04:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka XV will take on the New Zealand Under 85 kg rugby outfit in the second tour match at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy on 3 May, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m., played for the second edition of the Sir Graham Henry Trophy.

Cracking forward Omalka Gunaratne has recovered from his injury, and selectors have added scrum-half Kavindu de Costa to the squad. Both are tipped to make the starting XV.

The hosts will be eager to bounce back after a spirited yet unsuccessful outing in the opening encounter, where they went down 16-27 in a closely contested game.

Despite the defeat, the Sri Lankan outfit showed plenty of promise, particularly through their forward pack, who dominated large passages of play and kept the visitors under sustained pressure.

Skipper Lasindu Karunathilake led from the front, well supported by Tharindu Chaturanga, Thilina Bandara and Pulasthi Dassanayake, as the forwards laid a solid platform throughout the match.

However, the absence of key scrum-half Heshan Jensen proved costly, as Sri Lanka struggled at times to maintain fluidity and speed in their attacking movements, which put the three-quarter line under pressure.

The lack of pace out wide, especially with Dinal Ekanayake missing, also limited their ability to capitalise on overlaps and scoring opportunities.

For the second clash, Sri Lanka will be boosted by the return of Omalka Gunaratne, while Kavindu de Costa is expected to add much-needed pace and spark to the backline with his operation from the base of the scrum.

Akash Madushanka and Yuwan Pathirana are also set to play crucial roles, having impressed with their attacking flair and composure under pressure. Mursheed Doray and Thenuka Nanayakkara will be expected to deliver a better display in order to gain territory and attack from the opposition half.

One area of concern for the team management remains the service from the base of the scrum, where Harsha Maduranga will need to deliver quicker and cleaner ball to avoid putting the three-quarter line under pressure.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Under-85 kg, going through some tough moments, have added to their squad strength through Francis Morrstake and Jackson Ephraims, who joined the squad two days ago in Kandy.

With both sides evenly matched and plenty at stake, a thrilling contest is on the cards, with a packed crowd expected to create an electric atmosphere at Nittawela. Referee is Morgan White.