Delve into our inner skills prior to A5nations proper
View(s):Japan thumped Philippines by 128 points to nil to remind that they were the big name in Asia Rugby. Hong Kong beat UAE 53 to 7. That was the news form the first week of Asian 5 Nations Rugby.
The talk in Colombo centered on the question “if Japan beats Philippines by such a big margin what is in it for Sri Lanka next year around”. The temperature in Fukuoka would have been a cold at less than 13°C as compared to 34°C in Manila and it was also wet. Even if you take that as an excuse and compensate for some points the margin is still huge.
I spoke to Rizvi Ilyas the Secretary of the SLRFU to get to his thoughts. Rizvi assured that the Council of the SLRFU is aware of the task ahead and they have set their vision and a strategy is in place to ensure that we will be in the first three next year. He however wished to convey to the Sri Lankan ‘fan base’ who has been behind the local team at the last tournament. His caution was that one should not expect miracles in the next year or two but that they will get there eventually and plans are in place.
If Japan beat Philippines by a big margin of 128-0, what is in it for Sri Lanka next year around? - pic by Amila Gamage
To emphasize the commitment of the council to work to achieve excellence he directed me to the outcome and follow up of the sevens team. Having won the Plate last year the eyes are set to do better this year. The council of management of the SLRFU has planned for five sevens tournaments in addition to the Mercantile Sevens. The First of the Sevens will be in the first week of May followed by two franchise sevens for local players rounded up by the two Carlton International 7‘s. He underlined that the change of the season which was done with foresight has helped the National teams of both fifteens and sevens as there is no clash with the club season and also players are now available.
Asked about the continuation of the Nation Coach Ruvin du Plessis he emphasized that there is a place for him in our plans as we look for the future. He was however strong in asserting that if there was any glorification it should be the players who gave their best to achieve the best. He was also of praise to many others who gave their might to the success of the team and also the clubs who motivated their players to contribute their might. He was full of praise for Asanga Seneviratne the President and his team who brought together all stakeholders and sponsors to steer the ship to reach its destination. He pointed out that the achievement today is a result of the good work past Presidents and Councils has done to keep rugby alive.
He believed that the performance of the national team draws more to rugby in terms of players’ supporters as well as sponsors. There were around 30 players from various clubs who underwent training for over two months. They improved their skills as well as attitudes and playing styles. This experience will be taken back to the home club which in turn will help to improve the game,
I also asked the Vice President of the Union Lasitha Gunaratne about the speculation that Ravin du Plessis the National Coach will return to take over the mantle of CEO. Lasitha explained that as per the constitution there is a post of Executive Director but Ravin will be back to develop and direct Rugby in Sri Lanka and the title we give is immaterial but the objective is to work to get to the next point.
The schools rugby which started in the second week of March will recommence after a two week break. The tournament though seven weeks old is playing the fourth game of the league. This is because there were breaks for Holy Week, the Asian 5 Nations and the New Year. On the face of things the fourth week has not gathered a grade deal of excitement despite the schools league entering an exciting phase. Probably the two week break has lulled the spectator who will once again wake up.
A mid week bolt stuck Trinity College who were beaten by lowly placed S Thomas’ who are in B division. Trinity it appeared was stung by the Thomians who were underestimated. The win and getting the Cannon De Saram Trophy is much more worthy for the underdogs who had to fight with what was thought to be a better side. Playing in the B division the boys from Mount never faced an opposition closer to the type and standard of rugby the Trinity side played. It is in this context that the win is one that would have brought pride to all players as well as the diehard supporters who have been with them despite hard times for rugby. Despite the memorable win the game failed produce standard of rugby that was worth talking about. For an “A” division side that is fighting to win the league the performance of Trinity left very little to talk of .Both sides were keener to question the referee than to look inwards. The most recent IRB news letter on education and training said as follows; “Why do some people not accept responsibility for their own actions? Why do we treat referees so differently from other people, so often?
“When a team plays in a match, it faces multiple challenges. If it accepts and overcomes the challenges, it will win. If it does not overcome the challenges, it will lose.
Unless we see things in the correct perspective of the game, and that goes for all who are fighting crucial battles in the league, there will be the inevitable invasion as we have seen in the past years.
-Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB
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