Sri Lanka face uphill task

Friday, 20 June 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka national rugby team under Tarinda Ratwatte departed for Hong Kong last night (19 June) as they prepare for their crucial second match of the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship on 22 June.

The encounter is set to be a stiff challenge, with hosts Hong Kong eyeing direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The second placed team in the 4-team event will get another opportunity in a home and away game against the African runner up.

Sri Lanka put up a valiant fight in their opening fixture, going down narrowly to South Korea 38/34 in Colombo. Though they led at half-time, their lack of forward depth was evident in the latter stages of the game.

The current squad includes forwards such as Thilina Bandara, Lasindu Karunathilake, and Tharindu Chathuranga been outstanding in the last few matches for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s injury list is a major concern, with key forwards Abdullah Faiz, Charith Silva and Pathan Milan on injury list while Janidu Fernando not available.

The lack of experience in the front row and second row could prove costly, especially against a Hong Kong outfit known for their structured and powerful forward play.

Hong Kong, fresh from a convincing win over UAE, are widely regarded as the favourites in this contest. Their set-piece dominance and tactical discipline will test Sri Lanka’s resolve throughout the 80 minutes.

However, Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their backline. Players like Shaahid Zumri, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dinal Ekanayake all with top class speed and skill could test the hosts Hong Kong.

Scrum-half, Heshan Jensen and Mohamed Rifan are the two half backs who could play a key role in each half.

More than just the result, Sri Lanka’s goal will be to test themselves against one of Asia’s finest and prepare for their final clash against UAE.

Sri Lanka squad

Vimukthi Gamage, Senura Perera, Thanuja Jayaweera, Pulasthi Dasanayake, Venura Kodagoda, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thillakaratne, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Heshan Jansen, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Tarinda Ratwatte (Capt.), Akash Madushanka, Danushka Ranjan, Adam Gauder, Mursheed Doray, Pasindu Bandara, Dinal Ekanayake, Shenal Adikaram, Shamika Kaushan, Shaahid Zumri and Malitha Wijesundera

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