Brew the Lankan rugby ‘tea’ for the next elevation
View(s):The second leg of the Asian Sevens Series played in Malaysia ended with Sri Lanka retaining fourth place as in Hong Kong. This week the playoff for third and fourth place was between Sri Lanka and Korea who was the finalist that ended in second place in Hong Kong. Japan again failed against Hong Kong who once again reigned supreme in the second leg of the Asian Sevens Series. Two wins will mean that Hong Kong will be a front runner for Gold in the upcoming Asian Games to be held later this month in Incheon, South Korea.
They however will have to look back as Sri Lanka almost made history going down to Hong Kong by 7 points to 10 in the semi-final. Sri Lanka did have its chances playing against Hong Kong and had some anxious moments against China. One may not be far off target to say that two of the best matches in Malaysia were the quarter-final Sri Lanka played against China and the semi-final game against Hong Kong.
Emori Waqavulagi goes for a try against China
The Fijian factor which adorned the rugby field in the mid 1980s has come back to Sri Lanka in the last few years. This time around it is just not playing domestic rugby but contributing to National Rugby. Emori Waqavulagi the Fijian with a Sri Lanka descent was the connection around whom the local players performed as they showed they do have the talent for Sevens.
What went wrong a couple of times against China, Hong Kong as well as Korea was the weak play at the break down suggesting the we need to upgrade skills to beat the first three in Asia.
Sri Lanka has proved that they are a challenge but what is needed is a win now that the team has come this far. The importance however is uplifting skills required to keep possession. The two tries in two minutes by China was a result of the weak play in ball retention. It was similar against Hong Kong and a kick to touch giving away possession have to be addressed to ensure that players know the importance of retention in Sevens. While Emori contributed in typical Fiji style when the game needed him most the Sri Lankans were equal to the task and was always dangerous.
Sri Lanka has to come to terms in the need to play those who can play under the eligibility criteria. This has to be looked form the context of ‘Globalization’ where there is an increase in the movement of people, products and processes. Within sports this has resulted in migration of players in many sports. Japan has been a destination for many New Zealand players who have played in the domestic tournament leading to the inclusion of foreign players in the Japanese team. There are many teams in Asia that have the influence in their teams. Sri Lanka who have been toying with this ideas which first came to discussion in the 1980s saw a final leap being taken this year. Facing reality is important if we are to be winners in rugby at least in Asia and I believe this is a step in the right direction and the inclusion of Emori was seen as a positive impact when Sri Lanka were faced with the chips being down.
One thing research shows is that the advent of foreign players has changed many aspects of culture in the game. Japan has and was on a mission of quantity based training. This was not helping Japan in the International scene but there was a cultural shift which originated with Kiwi players who were more quality driven coming to play domestic rugby.
While Sri Lanka has the talent to reach the next level it should be something just more than talent to make it to the first two in Asia. The inclusion of Emori Waqavulagi proved decisive when you needed an injection to perform. Another addition can make Sri Lanka a different team and a challenge for locals to perform to get there. Hong Kong are serious as they have shown under coach Gareth Baber former Welsh rugby footballer.
The fact that Sri Lanka was placed fourth is not the point of debate but the improvement of the quality they played when they surprised China who had a comfortable lead. The importance is shocking Hong Kong who were faced with a close call. The comparison is important to assess if we are better than we were. We were elated with a third place last year. There is no quick success that one may expect as in instant coffee or noodles. A good tea has to be properly brewed and being Sri Lankans we should know that. Having the best tea in the world will still not sell if the customer needs a good blend. That blend is what Sri Lanka Rugby should be looking for.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB