China acid test first up for Sri Lanka today

By Ranil Prematilake in Al Ain - Dubai

Following their late arrival on Thursday and ensuing internal travel, the Sri Lanka men’s squad did not undergo a morning training session yesterday ahead of the Tuskers’ crunch first group fixture against China at 11:30 a.m. today at the Amblers RFC grounds in Al Ain United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka is grouped in pool ‘A’ alongside China, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The second game for the ‘Tuskers’ would be against Malaysia at 2:50 p.m. (SL time) and the final game for the day against winners of the first two editions (in Thailand and South Korea) Hong Kong at 06:35 p.m. (SL time).

The Chinese squad, it is learnt, had arrived in Dubai straight after the Incheon event in preparation for the third edition and is definite to be well acclimatized to the playing conditions. Realistically the men’s tournament opener is a must win game for the sides’ aspiration of keeping alive cup championship honours or a top four finish.

Skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara expressed confidence on his side’s chances of making it to the Cup Championship.

“We have ironed out the lapses and are confident of making amends this weekend” said the soft spoken fleet footed three-quarter. However, it would be interesting to see the remedial measures taken by the coaching staff to address the sloppiness in securing possession off restarts, which was a stark concern a couple of weeks back.

Pool ‘B’ consists of South Korea, Philippines, hosts United Arab Emirates and Japan. Sunday the 27th of November (tomorrow) would comprise of knock out games with play scheduled to get underway early afternoon.

Nizam Jamaldeen, Secretary Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), speaking to the ‘Daily Mirror’ on the preparation of the squad for the event stated that, “We have ensured that the best possible squad will represent the Country. Administratively SLR took every required measure to facilitate the process”. Adding further, the former national kicking sensation divulged of SLR’s intention to set up a national pool for Under 24, 7’s rugby, which should ideally be a feeder to the senior squad.

“Our immediate aim would be to set up this structure with the support of steadfast sponsors to guarantee continuity. It is important to sustain a programme of this nature if Sri Lanka is to assert itself as a regional force in sevens rugby,” explained Jamaldeen.

Caption:

Sri Lanka Sevens Skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara