Versus New Zealand Under-85kgs Sri Lanka miss Jensen, Ekanayake as Gunaratne, Kavindu return

Sri Lankans need to buckle up at Sunday decider

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka will face the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby outfit in the second match at Nittawela on Sunday with kick-off at 4 pm in what promises to be a defining encounter in the race for the Sir Graham Henry Trophy and spectators will be allowed free entry according to the organisers.

This is the second event in the series with the Kiwis winning the first year’s series 2-0 last year comfortably. 

Last year Sri Lanka lost by a huge 16-82 on aggregate put up a brave effort in this year’s opener at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo a week ago.

The fixture carries significant importance for Sri Lanka rugby as it presents an opportunity to level the series and underline the country’s growing competitiveness in the weight category. 

The hosts head into the game determined to overturn their 16-27 defeat in the opening clash, a match where they showed grit and structure but fell short in execution during key moments.

That first outing, however, highlighted the potential of the Sri Lankan forwards, who controlled phases of play and matched the visitors physically, laying a strong foundation for future success.

New Zealand Under-85kgs team has something to play for

Skipper Lasindu Karunathilake will once again be central to Sri Lanka’s ambitions, alongside a hardworking pack featuring Tharindu Chaturanga, Thilina Bandara and Pulasthi Dassanayake, all of whom bring stability and aggression.

The return of Omalka Gunaratne is a timely boost, adding experience and physicality while the inclusion of scrum-half Kavindu de Costa is expected to inject tempo and direction into the backline and reduce the pressure on the three-quarter line.

Sri Lanka’s shortcomings in the first game particularly in terms of speed and finishing will need urgent addressing if they are to capitalise on scoring opportunities and check a disciplined New Zealand defence. 

Missing out on Heshan Jensen and Dinal Ekanayake has been a big blow for Sri Lanka. Jensen was injured out during the latter part of the domestic league while Dinal was injured during the Malaysian encounter which was played at Welisara. 

Akash Madushanka and Yuwan Pathirana played key roles but much will be expected from the experienced Mursheed Doray and Thenuka Nanayakkara.

New Zealand Under-85kg is led by Jarred Percival with Francis Morrison and Jackson Ephrains joining the squad in Kandy two days ago. 

Their star player will be the pack leader Pasia Asiata. This match also carries broader implications beyond the immediate result, as a strong performance could pave the way for more structured bilateral tours between the two nations in the future.

With both teams reinforcing their squads and eager to make a statement, an intense and high-quality contest is expected.