Focus on sevens rugby in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s thrills in Sevens Rugby are limited and successes are seasonal lately
Sevens Rugby in Sri Lanka (SL) is like the dance of 2 steps forward, 1 step back, 2 more steps forward. It is a repeat of the chant of being 4 and 6 and back to 4 in the Asian 7s Series 2018. There are many logical but compensating arguments for that, as the Lankans did well to get back to number 4 from 6; satisfies those who want to be satisfied.
For the last few years, SL has been glued around 3rd and 4th, while going a couple of steps forward and back in the 3-Leg series. The Philippines have risen as the challenger, as SL succumbed. SL found themselves struggling against the Philippines, while it appeared to some that, there is a new kid on the block. This kid is not new, but has been threatening for some time. The performance depends on availability. There are many of Philippine origin, living and playing Rugby in other parts of the world. It is and will be a reality that they will be a threat when they take time to play for the country where their parents were born.
Korea, as well as Chinese Taipei, seemed tracking behind lifting hope for the Lankans. But the euphoria of beating China just dropped. Talk of a ‘wild card’ for the World Cup qualifiers just faded away.
SL keeps popping surprises, like when they almost upset Japan, for a shy at the Gold at the Asian Games. Up one day but, along the way they keep dropping like the soap bubbles that rise and fall. Consistency is missing in the Tuskers. They seem to fall into pot holes as players or, trip or turn their ankle. The injury plague raises a number of questions. Is it bad physical conditioning or is it mental.
What pops to mind is a question of whether players cuddle for safety, not wanting to risk injury and lose the bread and booze. What is keeping the players distracted as they take steps that push them back. It looks much normal if you compare performance over the last few years. But this is not at all a reason to give up or quit. It is not like Humpty Dumpty falling off the wall and, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not put Humpty together again. There can be a rise next year, and that’s where you have to aim. That is the short term goal. There is a need to, however, look at a long term plan.
This is because you need to know what causes you to take 1 step back? If It is not frustration, then it is when things do not go the way you want. Injury is a major issue. So is the inability to keep ball and losing it at the breakdown. SL, however, looked dangerous when they had possession. A try here and there and a run that is a treat to watch, does not always win matches. 7s has two important components where team effort and individual play are important. There are many skills needed to be great 7s players. Taking importance are passing, tackling, breakdown play, offloading, side-stepping and fitness.
Why does SL Rugby not leave the fragrance of a good breath as it should. It is like the Eric Clapton question. “Why does love got to be so sad?” The question is from a song famously performed and co-written by Eric Clapton, the guitar maestro, for whom love could, apparently, be a sad affair in life, as well as in art. ‘Layla’, the song he’s best known for, has him down on his knees, begging for love. Will fans and the diehards of Rugby in SL have to go begging for better Rugby. A poser to our future is the question of coaching. It is apparent we don’t have good numbers as the stakeholders think. I say this because at least 4 coaches of the 8 clubs are also coaching schools. Two different ball games, much the same as 7s and XVs.
In the record of injuries, research suggests that “Injury incidence rates in Rugby 7s are higher than those reported for the 15-a-side competition. Injuries are also more severe, resulting in longer periods of absence. This might result from the fact that Rugby 7s is played with greater speed, leading to an increase in energy transfers during tackles, more running and turning maneuvers, that can possibly cause more severe injuries.”
This, then means that, to make a player 7s tough has to start much earlier. When is earlier is the question. The question is about training players to be 7s-injury resistant. This talks of a different ball game and another court altogether.
The question then is whether the schools will buy a 7s proposal. Will the Clubs eat the bait. To get there, 1 needs, probably, to introduce more 7s, while trying not to infringe on the traditional thinkers who want the 15-a-side game. There is a need to inspire youth and the administrators about the impact of 7s now and beyond. It is about developing a Rugby curriculum with the engagement of all partners.
While we have been talking 7s for a while, the performance directs that we should keep an ear to the ground. That is to have an ear to the ground. To devote attention to watching or listening for clues as to what is going to happen.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, Coach and an Accredited Referees’ Evaluator IRB