A cue for Rugby —Take your guard and get ready for the next inning
View(s):Dreaming of getting to the 2019 World Cup is what rugby Sri Lanka has to. When the dream is in place it is easier than when you have no hope. The momentum gained by the empathetic win of Sri Lanka in the Asian 5 Nations Division 1 Tournament should be fuel the rugby here.
The Island Nations Rugby History of over 125 years was kept alive as they won a promotion to the top 5 beating Kazakhstan convincingly by 49 points to 18. A jubilant Captain Yoshitha Rajapakse speaking after the match said that much was expected from the Kazakhstan Team and they expected it to be a danger. That however did not materialize as we played better and won the promotion and we will be playing in the World Cup Qualifying Year.
Sri Lanka will join the top 5 next year. The last team from the top 5 of this year which consists of Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines and UAE will drop off as Sri Lanka joins the best of Asian rugby. It is time to strengthen the legs that have carried the country to where it is. The hope we have is that though we have been there before we have never beaten the lot below as convincingly as this year.
The crowd of over 6000 that flocked Havelock Park was proof of the high expectations. All around it looked a rugby atmosphere that attracted the crowds interested with what they saw on and around the ground. The better performance of the national team means more interested in playing the game, more supporters and much sponsorship. The game is perched to fly and hopefully it will not be disturbed with distractions that give no time to think of the wider picture.
The recipe for success is for the administrators and the rugby fraternity to work together as shown by the results on the field by the Sri Lanka rugby team at the HSBC Asian5Nations. - Pic by Amila Gamage
An ably orchestrated Sri Lanka team were crowned Asian champs with an all round performance. This is not an end but another beginning. A step to be among the top 5 needs to be lengthened to a stride to stay there. To continue to be there and get to the dream of the 2019 / 2023 that was announced by the President Asanga Seneviratne early in his first term looks to be a reality.
The new chapter with Dialog unveiled early this year puts Sri Lanka in a sound financial position for the next five years. The move up is not sitting there and waiting for the next A5N in another year. It is about organizing more test matches that will allow practicing the skills. The finance was thought to be a problem previously. With the current status of our performance and the work done so far this does not look a mountain that cannot be climbed. The optimism is justified looking at the all round performance that helped the score board.
Sri Lanka started off well and commanded a lead of 30 points to 6 by the end of the first half through three tries two conversions and three penalties. Wing Sandun Herath and Liyanage scored two tries. No 5 Shenal Dias running from almost the halfway and beating the defense to score a try was an example of what we have. In the second half Sri Lanka extended with another three tries scored by prop Sathya Ranatunga, Number 10 Marija and wing Chamara Dabare. The tires were rounding of moves resulting from team work. Forwards won good ball while the backs made use of the hard won possession. The low scrum and penalty count showed that there was more discipline and purpose . Riza Mubarak added 19 points through conversions and kicking penalties right. Sri Lanka ended the tournament top of the standings with 18 points (fifteen from the wins and three bonus points).
The first step has to be turned to a gigantic leap. Being prepared was a key to success and Seneviratne and his team must share the honors. As discussed by an Asian expert the move to be more professional is present in Sri Lanka Rugby. Compare the coach’s brought during the recent to the previous ones. Then what was brought before were those who have virtually finished their career and wanting a place to enjoy the sunset. Greening Gowlings and Du Plessis are those who are raring to go and looking to go and a future to look forward. That was the difference that was made.
Elsewhere in circuit we need to talk and act professionally and not talk about professionalism and act amateur. That is something we have seen in the past which finally went down as “just talking big or talking for the sake of talking” with no plan to back up the talk. The recipe for success is to work together as shown by the results for which the rugby fraternity has to stay together. The governing body needs to let the play continue at different levels while keeping control to ensure the requirements of the national team are met. What has to be inculcated is to go the right thing with emphasis on discipline, team spirit and commitment. The Dream of SLRFU President and his team have not ended another pipe dream but a real one. The Road ahead is not easy but one that can be taken as the gate is now open.
The team is not the players and coaches alone but includes the administration and all shareholders who should pat themselves on the back.
-Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB
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