Youthful SL lock horns with experienced NZ under 85kg

Saturday, 25 April 2026 03:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The first match between Sri Lanka XV and the visiting New Zealand Under-85kg side is set to take place at the Race Course ground tonight.

Kick-off is at 7 pm.

Sri Lanka is led by Lasindu Karunathilake, who carries the responsibility of guiding a relatively young outfit into what promises to be a high-tempo contest. The home side will be eager to make an early statement.

In the forwards, Sri Lanka possess solid firepower, with vice-captain Tharindu Chathuranga and Thilina Bandara expected to play important roles. Their physicality and experience could be key in setting the platform.

However, it is the backline that presents a bit of concern in XV rugby in Asian region tournaments. Though lacking in experience, the unit has the potential to exploit space and turn the game into an open contest.

Mursheed Doray will operate from fly-half, while Thenuka Nanayakkara, Diluksha Dange, Akash Madushanka and Janidu Dilshan add pace and attacking flair. They will, however, face a stern test against a well-drilled Kiwi outfit.

At fullback, Yuwan Pathirana is likely to come under pressure, particularly under high balls in the lights. Despite limited club exposure, he has shown promise in CR fixtures and earned his selection despite many injuries, with a few players opting out for the shorter version of the game only.

Head coach Dushanth Lewke will use this encounter to assess combinations, especially with only ten players retained from last year’s squad, most of them in the forward line.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand outfit, led by Jarrad Percival, arrive with experience on their side, having retained 20 players from last year. With referee Morgan White in charge, a fast-paced, high-quality encounter is expected in front of a packed house.

Questions have emerged ahead of the rugby series regarding the composition of the New Zealand players, who may exceed the 85kg limit. Further, it was not clear how the weight was scrutinised before the commencement of the game.

Further, the game was shifted from a 4 pm to a 7 pm kick-off, and a water break during each quarter, despite cooler night conditions, is likely to favour the visiting team.

Sri Lanka will be fielding 10 debutants in their line-up. They are Hansith De Silva, Harsha Maduranga, Yuwan Pathirana, Nisal Silva, Naham Hemachandra, Viduna Amaneth, Manilka Ruberu, Diluksha Dange, Gayantha Iddamalgoda and Oliver Buckle.

NZ Under-85kg starting XV: Simon Sia, Callum Nimmo, Jeandre du Toit, Rory Cavanagh, Bailey Clark, Josh Purdon, Josh Gellert, Pasia Asiata, Taine Cordell-Hull, Jarred Percival (C), Pieter Swarts, Maifea Taiulu Feso, Campbell Busby, Nick Robertson and Ben Kelt.

Sri Lanka XV: Deshan Vimukthi, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Hansitha De Silva, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindhu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thilakarathne, Lasindu Karunathilake, Harsha Maduranga, Murshid Zubair, Diluksha Dange, Akash Madushanka, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Janidu Dilshan and Yuwan Pathirana

Referee: Morgan White