Sri Lanka set to face New Zealand Under 85kg in high stake encounter 

By Shamseer Jaleel(SJ)

Sri Lanka will take on the visiting New Zealand Under 85kg side in the second match of the tour today (10 May) under lights at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo. The fixture is expected to draw a sell-out crowd, adding to the electrifying atmosphere that awaits SL team. Skipper Nigel Ratwatte is down with dengue and the leadership role comes on Danushka Ranjans shoulders.

Kick-off is scheduled at 6.30 p.m.

Sri Lanka fielded a rotated squad and rested several senior players in the first encounter. The result was a wake-up call for the management, who have now responded with significant changes. A total of eight changes have been made to the starting XV, with a clear focus on strengthening the backline and regaining control in open play. The return of experienced campaigners is expected to bring more balance and leadership.

Among the notable inclusions is nippy scrum half Heshan Jensen, who replaces Mohamed Rifan and is expected to provide solidity at scrum time. His presence will also boost Sri Lanka physicality in contact situations. Electric winger Dinal Ekanayake is also back in the fold. A proven finisher, Ekanayake is one of the top try-scorers in the domestic circuit and will bring much-needed pace to the wide channels. Veteran Danushka Ranjan adds both flair and strength in the midfield. His ability to break the gain line and offload under pressure could be key to unlocking the New Zealand defence. Another key inclusion is Srinath Sooriyabandara, who slots in at fullback. Known for his rugby intelligence and safe hands under the high ball, Sooriyabandara replaces Pasindu Bandara in the starting line-up.

Doray’s omission from the 25-member squad has raised eyebrows, as has the absence of Kavindu Perera, one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent wingers. Both players are viewed as top-tier talents and their exclusions are notable. Rounding off the key changes is the addition of Number 8 Lasindu Karunathilake, who was among the standouts during the domestic season. His strong ball-carrying and work rate in defence will be vital.

These two matches against the New Zealand Under 85kg side are more than just friendlies—they serve as critical preparation for Sri Lanka’s Asia Rugby Top 4 campaign. The Asia Rugby Top 4 includes regional powerhouses South Korea, UAE, and Hong Kong. All three pose significant challenges, and Sri Lanka will need to be at their very best to compete.

Winning the Asia Rugby Top 4 has never carried more weight. The champion earns a direct berth to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia—a monumental opportunity for Sri Lankan rugby. Even the second-placed team has something to fight for. That team will play a home-and-away playoff against the Pacific Islands Championship runner-up for another shot at World Cup qualification.

The New Zealand Under 85kg side, despite having just two weeks of preparation, delivered a master class in structured rugby in the first match. Their fundamentals were sound, and they showed excellent discipline. They have made 2 changes bringing in second rower, Ridgley Paxton and winger Peter Swarts replacing Tyler Kooning and Ben Scott.

• Sri Lanka

Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Thuja Ranaweera, Navin Marasimghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nilar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Heshan Jensen, Janidu Dilshan, Tarinda Ratwatte, Danushka Ranjan (capt), Dinal Ekanayake, Akash Madushanka, and Srinath Sooriyabandara.

• New Zealand Under 85 kg

Tom Rowland, Callum Nimmo, Jeandre Du Tiot, Jack Laity, Ridgley Paxton, Josh Purdon, Josh Gellert, Pasia Asiata, Jackson Ephraims, Jarred Percival (Capt), Peter Swartz, Ben Megson, Campbell Busby, Jarnie Petford ,and Francis Morrison

Referee

Jaco de Wit (SA)