CR – Army encounter should be absorbing
The Army may have lost the tournament opener to the CR&FC by a single point. However, the two teams have had contrasting fortunes since then. CR’s title aspirations are non-existent right now. However, they would like to win today’s game against the soldiers at Longdon Place if only to keep ahead of the pack that’s chasing them. By doing so, they could hold on to the number four spot – a crumb of comfort.
The CR had the comparative luxury of playing a ‘can’t-lose’ game last weekend. This allowed them to give their bench strength some exposure and for players like Ratwatte, a little more time to recover from injury. The outcome can only be beneficial.
Ratwatte is a known quantity and a big presence. Even if he doesn’t take the field, the home team has enough talent to stake off the Army challenge which is bound to be a spirited one. The army plays heart-warming rugby while the CR, at times, indulges in heart-stopping rugby. Therein lies the difference.
Number eight Omalka Gunaratne is a tower of strength and the CR will look to him, especially, to counter the Army’s surges. Sasanka Ariyaratne, Taniq Salih and Ishan Noor are the other forwards who have impressed.
It cannot be denied, however, that CR’s strength lies in the back division. At full strength, the CR outsides function smoothly and their open play is very entertaining. Full back Prince Chamara has ex-Issipatana player Rohan Silva breathing down his neck. Given the injuries, both could be in the starting lineup. Anuruddha Herath had a fine outing against the CH and that should put him in a good mental state.
The de Costas, Bhanuka Nanayakkara and Kavindu Perera are the outsides that will need watching. Perera is quick, deceptive and good at finishing. No doubt, many of CR’s moves will be worked to exploit his talent. The other winger Mohamed Sashan can also look forward to a busy outing.
The interesting fact is that, after Kandy, CR has scored the most number of points (367). They are currently in fourth place and on 39 points. They have six wins as opposed to Army’s three. The latter has garnered 258 points.
The Army’s forte in their rampaging, barn-stocking pack in which the leading lights are last year’s skipper Asoka Jayalal and the present one, Manoj Silva. The return of flanker Upul Abeyratne makes them a better equipped side. Locks Nalaka Maduranga and Nishantha Kobbekaduwe excel in the lines out. In fact, the battle for the ball at the throw ins should be interesting as the CR too have some good ball-winners.
The drawback for the Army is that when the ball is sent out to the back division, more often than not, the outsides don’t make maximum use of the opportunity. The Ariyapala’s – Iranga and Dinushan – have some thrust and the ability to find the gaps. There has to be better coordination between them and others such as Thusitha Senanayake and Kasun Maduranga.
Statistics aside, the Army will play their hearts out as they usually do. They didn’t have lady luck on their side in some of the earlier games. But they cannot be written off and, on their day, they could cause an upset.