Sri Lanka up against defending champs Japan today

by Ranjan ANANDAPPA

Rugby: The Sri Lanka Under-20 Rugby Team will be up against their stiffest hurdle when they confront the defending champions and the tournament favourites Japan in the opening match in the Youth Rugby Asiad at the Causewaybay Stadium in Hongkong today (Sunday).

The Lankans should try to defuse the might of the Japanese power which has been prevailing throughout the tournament and restrict the scoring to the minimum with their resolute tackling as Sri Lanka have some players in their ranks who are capable to do so. Flankers Sajid Suhayab, Savinda Unamboove and number eight Shehan Pathirana, the vice-captain of the side, have proved that they are players suited for any occasion.

The junior Lankans should strive to take the advantage from limited possession by working their three-quarter line with the experience link man Prasad Devinda.

Centres Danushka Ranjan, Dishan Chaturanga and winger Sandun Herath Mohammed Seshan and attacking full-back Dulaj Perera have the speed to pierce the Japanese defence. The experienced gained by the vigourous training sessions received last week in preparation for the tournament under the guidance of New Zealand coach Ellis Meachen, the Sri Lankan stands in good stead.

The Sri Lankans will also meet host Hongkong and Thailand. Having finished third in last year's 'Asiad' the Lankans should give a encouraging display in the championship.

The team is led by hooker Murad Ramzeen of Trinity College and his deputy is Royal skipper and number 8 Shehan Pathirana. Both Ramzeen and Pathirana were also members of the Asiad held last year.

The Sri Lankan team: Prop forwards: Nipuna Devinda (Isipathana), Hafeez Adahan (Thurstan), Heshan Kalhara (Kingswood), Kokila Sammandaperuma (Wesley), Hookers: Murad Ramzeen. Captain (Trinity), Isuru Alwis (St. Peter's), >Lock Forwards: Sachinthaka Perera (Trinity), Randhika Alwis (Trinity).

Flankers: Jason Dissanayake (Vidyartha), Sajid Suhayb (Isipathana), Savinda Unamboove (Trinity).

Number 8 Shehan Pathirana Vice captain (Royal), Sanka Rajaguru (St. Anthony's, Katugastota).

Scrum Halves: Bhanuka Nanayakkara (St. Peter's), Sanjaya Somasiri (Trinity).

Fly-Half: Prasad Devinda (Isipathana)

Centres: Oshan Perera (Kingswood), Danushka Ranjan (St. Peter's), Dilshan Chaturanga (Trinity), Levanga Perera (Kingswood).

Wingers: Sandun Herath (St. Peter's), Mekalanka Pramodha (Isipathana), Mohamed Seshan (Trinity).

Full back: Dulaj Perera (St. Peter's).