Danushka leads Sri Lanka in the absence of Nigel Ratwatte Redemption time in 2nd Test

The battle was intense during the first Test at Nittawela   

By Shamseer Jaleel   

The stage is set for a fiery showdown under floodlights at the Racecourse Stadium today as Sri Lanka prepares to take on the formidable New Zealand Under-85kg side in the second game of the tour. Following a humbling 10/50 defeat in the opening encounter, Sri Lankan selectors have been forced to recalibrate and bring in the big guns in what promises to be a make-or-break clash.   

Kick-off is at 6.30 p.m.   

Sri Lankan skipper Nigel Ratwatte will miss this encounter being down with dengue while Danushka Ranjan will lead the outfit in this vital encounter which is expected to be full house. Danushka has been a regular in XVs for Sri Lanka for the past 10 years and the Sevens format as well, captaining the national &s team in 2017.   

The first game, played with seven senior players rested, exposed the depth and readiness of the bench, resulting in a heavy loss that has now ramped up the pressure on the hosts. But if there’s one thing Sri Lankan rugby has consistently shown over the years, it’s the ability to bounce back when their backs are against the wall.   

In a move signalling intent, key players return to the fold. The dynamic Heshan Jensen replaces Mohamed Rifan, bringing power and precision to the coordination of both forwards and backs. The reliable Dinal Ekanayake and veteran Danushka Ranjan are also set to start, while Srinath Sooriyabandara — known for his experience and vision - slots in at fullback, taking the place of Pasindu Bandara. Tarinda Ratwatte also returns as fly half with Akash Madushanka moving in as one of the centres.   

Perhaps the biggest talking point, however, is the omission of Kavindu Perera, who was electric in Kandy and is widely regarded as one of the top two wingers in the country alongside Ekanayake. His exclusion is puzzling and will surely light a fire under the rest of the squad to prove the selectors right.   

The New Zealand Under 85kg side showed textbook rugby in the first match simple, clinical, and error-free. They didn’t over extend or underestimate, and they executed with near-perfection. With their strongest side expected to take the field once again, they’ll look to maintain their momentum and seal the tour early. But this time, Sri Lanka isn’t coming lightly. There’s pride at stake, and with senior heads back in the fold, the team looks more balanced, experienced, and hungry.   

The visitors made two changes bringing in second rower Ridgley Paxton and winger, Peter Swarts instead of Tyler Kooning and Ben Scott.   

Unforced errors and poor defensive lines cost SL dearly in the first game. With experienced campaigners back, they must focus on sticking to structure and maintaining discipline, especially at the breakdown.   

With Ranjan and Ekanayake out wide, Sri Lanka possesses the pace to trouble any defence. Quick ball movement and tactical kicking to the corners could open up scoring opportunities. Under the lights at the Racecourse, with a passionate home crowd behind them, Sri Lanka must feed off the energy and make every carry count.   

Teams   

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

New Zealand U85kg: Tom Rowland, Callum Nimmo, Jeandre Du Toit, Jack Laity, Ridgley Paxton, Josh Purdon, Josh Gellert, Pasia Asiata, Jackson Ephraims, Jarred Percival (captain), Peter Swarts, Ben Megson, Campbell Busby, Jamie Petford and Francis Morrison.   

Referee: Braden Hudson (Australia)