• Left-field selections raise eyebrows 

Seasoned Kandy SC fly-half Nigel Ratwatte who was coaxed out of retirement has been handed the captain’s armband, as Sri Lanka unveiled its 23-member squad yesterday (17), to tackle expats-laden Malaysia, in an Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship playoff at Racecourse Grounds this Saturday (19).

But, a few bizarre selections such as those of CR and FC number eight Lasindu Karunathilaka, CH and FCs Pulasthi Dissanayake at hooker and Janidu Dilshan as left wing, in the run on XV have been surprising to say the least.

These dubious selections have come at the expense of the form number eight of the concluded inter-club rugby season Kandy SCs Dahan Wickaramarchchi who has been benched, while one of the stand out players Shahid Zumri also from the same club, has been totally overlooked. 

The same fate has befallen another prolific try scorer of the season Jayathu Rajaratne of Havelocks SC and how those who were able to get into the match-day 23 at the expense of those discarded, will acquit themselves on the day only time will tell.  

The experienced out-half Ratwatte who reportedly called time on his rugby career at the end of the domestic first-class competition early this month, was urged to have a change of mind by the Competent Authority (CA) of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Shemal Fernando.

This was in view of boosting the injury-plagued home team’s chances, in a match which will be of equal importance to both nations, as victory will guarantee a spot among Asia’s top four.

Ratwatte stood out for unbeaten League and Knockout champions Kandy SC, as they annexed the so-called ‘rugby double’ in the domestic circuit for the 2024-25 season and the ‘Tuskers’, are likely to bank on his vast experience to outsmart the visitors.

But, rugby analysts wonder even with his experience, whether Ratwatte’s somewhat suspect defence will be exposed by the Malaysians, as the two nations renew their rivalry after eight years. 

For that reason, they reckon outstanding Kandy SC scrum-half Heshan Jansen would have been a better option as skipper.

The squad which was approved by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and which was culled from a 35-member pool, features a mix of youth and experience. 

From all accounts the Lankans will be up against it heading into the crucial clash, with several seniors sidelined due to injuries or having quit the game, at the end of the two local tournaments.

Dynamic inside centre Tharinda Ratwatte, who was tipped previously to lead the Islanders, has been laid low due a ACL injury, which he suffered during the latter stages of the League.

At the same time crack CR and FC backrow forwards Adeesha Weerathunga and Omalka Gunaratne too have been forced out due to injuries.

Last year’s skipper Suhiru Anthony also quit the game at the end of the Inter-Club Knockout tournament and the loss of the hardy former second-rower, who triumphantly captained the island-nation in last season’s championship, will be felt by the hosts. 

These injuries aside, Sri Lanka have been playing competitive rugby in local tournaments, but whether such outings will equip them to cope with the challenge posed by the tourists is left to be seen.

Malaysia from reports reaching The Daily Morning Sports, will be bolstered by the presence of two naturalised Fijians namely Samuela Tamanisau and Etonia Vaqa Saukuru.

How Sanath Martis' men are able to subdue this duo will go a long way determining the fate of the ‘Tuskers’ come Saturday. 

Meanwhile, the match will be officiated by South African-born UAE domiciled Jaco De Wit with J. P. Clement of UAE and J. Aymen of the South Arabian Rugby Federation being the two Assistant Referees, while Simon Dodd of UAE will be the Television Match Official (TMO). 

De Wit, a leading referee in the Asian rugby circuit, is no stranger to Sri Lankan rugby fans, after he controlled the first-leg of last year’s Bradby Shield encounter between Trinity and Royal. Ex- Sri Lanka referee Dilroy Fernando will function as the Referees Manager.  

Sri Lanka 23-member squad:

Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Senura Perera, Naveen Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nillar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Heshan Jansen, Nigel Ratwatte (capt.), Janidu Dilshan, Akash Madushanka, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Mursheed Dorai

Reserves – Vimukthi Gamage, Nirosh Perera, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Pasindu Bandara, Thanuja Jayaweera, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Venura Kodagoda