UAE keeps RWC 2027 hopes alive Gritty Lanka fall short

By Shamseer Jaleel

Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 reached fever pitch at Colombo’s Racecourse Ground, where Sri Lanka fell narrowly to the United Arab Emirates by 29 points (4 tries, 3 conversions ,1 penalty) to 21 points (2 tries, 1 conversion, 3 penalties).

At the short breather UAE held a 22/16 lead.

Playing with only three weeks of preparation, the Sri Lankan outfit displayed remarkable cohesion, demonstrating that 

quick turnarounds need not preclude top-flight performance.

UAE’s victory propelled them into second place on the table and kept their hopes of an inter-regional playoff and a path to Rugby World Cup 2027 very much alive.

Sri Lanka’s forwards, led by Vimukthi Gamage, Tharindu Chathuranga, Thilina Bandara, and Lasindu Karunathilake, matched the heavier Emirati pack in both collision and continuity.

Breakdown battles were fiercely contested; Karunathilake’s experience at No. 8 provided crucial stability, allowing quick ball for a back-line eager to attack.

Scrum-half Mohamed Rifan impressed with his elusive darting runs, carving pockets of space, while captain Tarinda Ratwatte marshalled the midfield with tactical kicks and leadership.

Yet his centres, Dinal Ekanayake and Adam Gauder, found possession fragmented by relentless UAE pressure; their marked status limited Sri Lanka’s clean-line breakthroughs.

For the visitors, Bradly Janes and Andrew Semple anchored defence and carried with power, while fly-half Max Johnson’s accuracy off the tee kept UAE on top.

Sakiusa Naisau exploited wide channels with searing pace, collecting a crucial try that extended UAE’s cushion early in the second half. The first try arrived in the seventh minute when James Crossley powered over; Johnson’s conversion opened the scoring for UAE. Ratwatte replied with a 30-metre penalty.

Janes’ subsequent touchdown and Johnson’s boot saw UAE surge 12/3, only for Rifan to cross over the white wash and Ratwatte to convert, bringing the hosts within two points.

A Tarinda Ratwatte penalty edged Sri Lanka ahead 16/15, before Johnson’s penalty and Naisau’s try swung the half back to UAE at 22/16 at the short breather.

Early in the second half, Ratwatte’s cross-kick found hooker, Shamindu Kaushan for a try, reducing the gap to a single point yet two opted line-outs and denied penalty kick at goal cost the hosts 6 valuable points.

Jack Stapley’s late try, paired with Johnson’s reliable boot, sealed UAE’s win, illustrating how fine margins can decide international fixtures.

Sri Lanka’s narrow defeats to both South Korea and UAE each contest flirting with an alternative outcome highlight the squad’s rising standard despite limited prep time.

As unbeaten Hong Kong sets sail for an Incheon showdown with South Korea today, Sri Lanka can draw confidence from their brave performances, ready to refine and return stronger. 

Referee: Craig Chan