Kandy needs to take stock and get its act together
View(s):CR&FC proved beyond reasonable doubt that the matches they lost to date were self-inflicted. Against Air Force, in the first 11 minutes they scored twice to take a 14-0 lead against the giant killers. The starter was good and the main course ended with a champagne win by 57-20. The score might make you ask whether the MIGs were grounded. Both sides moved the ball and did foray forward than being driven back. A better scene than the Rugby we have seen in recent times, even going back to last season. Something that makes me wonder and is common to most teams is the inability to create space. The scrumhalf runs across before passing, the standoff does the same and equally crab-walking is the centre. Invariably, the outsides are bottled or isolated. This was much evident as the Air Force No.10 ran across and denied space for the hard running outsides. A number of attacking moves ended this way.
The journey ahead is tricky for defending champs Kandy SC this season - File pic
This game had 62 stops including 13 scrums and 21 line-outs, and only 19 penalties. Meaning, the time the ball was in play was good. Air Force too gave as good as they got. CR played as a team, unlike in the last few matches. That was what made a team that looked bobtail-and-ragtag-like look a champion outfit. With what was shown on-field and taking on Police this week, they will stay a couple of notches higher standing tall, to meet the challenge from Kandy, who they are yet to play. Air Force plays CH this week and so, will keep their heads above water. On Sunday, Kandy will take on unbeaten Navy who have a reason to worry, having beaten Army by a solitary point. The 1-point difference kept supporters of both Army and Navy on the edges of their seats, but Rugby was poor, as skills, it seemed let teams down. Not that the CR-Air Force match produced great Rugby, but it was the continuity and flow that made the spectators feel they got something they have missed for a long time. I also cannot understand the binding of CR’s Nos. 7 and 8, who need to understand the law on binding. No. 8, at most times, keeps balances on his wrist and stands head up and keeps himself there and makes no impact on the game .That was the only reason I believe he did not get penalized, as he was just standing. This needs to be corrected, as they are the present generation tapping for national duty.
Kandy cannot be very happy with the way they have played so far. With more mighty names, yet the big pistons don’t seem to fire well. The engine taken apart is Rolls Royce quality. The car as a whole fires more like a “Maruti”. They have to look at themselves more critically as the game goes to the next round. One game lost does not mean anything to a team that has all material to take on the others.
Havelocks, with a number of names, are not pumping the way they should, and will have a tough call against Army. Army played well, particularly in the 2nd Half against Navy are sure to take Havelocks to the wire. What is keeping Army away from a winning streak is probably the finishing that is not so good. They too can make inroads down the field and destined somewhat to their seeking on going down twice by a margin of 1 point.
At the end of the week, we will know whether how many or anymore teams will remain unbeaten. Things are almost the same as in the past, with Navy, Havelocks Kandy, and CR at the top with exception of Air Force who are coming of age. The battle for the first 4 places is still open and possibly points to may be one or no unbeaten team at the end of Round 1.
Crowds at matches are still disappointing, other than for the ‘in-house’ crowds in attendance when the Tri-Forces teams play. The question is, is it a disinterest in the game that is somewhat boring, other than to the diehard. Ticket prices too are a disincentive for a family which probably will have to spend a lot to see Rugby. Networking and camaraderie seems to be more of a thing of the past, as supporters are more or less segregated. Clubs will have to look at ways and means of having opportunities for fans to have moments of quality for time spent on the ground. It is a silly excuse to say the game is telecast and keeps people away. The game is telecast at all top Rugby matches but, still the grounds and the stands are filled. It is the atmosphere that makes the difference and what is available to make an evening .
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB