Tuskers to go with four changes
It could be said that despite finishing fifth in the First Leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens Rugby Series, the Sri Lankan team was unable to perform up to expectations. Winning the Plate Championships after beating the Philippines 21-14 was merely a sop.
The first leg at Incheon in South Korea is behind as now and the focus of attention shifts Haizhou, China on September 14 and 15. Japan and Hong Kong have proved a cut above the rest. Sri Lanka’s ambitions will be to put it past China who beat them in the first leg.
The selectors have wielded the axe and Naveen Henakankanamge, Anuradha Herath, Nishon Perera and Thilina Wijesinghe have been chopped. Adeesha Weeratunga, Gemunu Chetiya, Iroshan Silva and Thilina Bandara are their replacements. Weeratunga is the newcomer with the most experience, having been part of the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games squads.
Iroshan Silva impressed when playing as a centre for the Police SC. Former Sylvestrian Thilina Bandara has forced his way into the squad by dint of some impressive performances the past season. Gemunu Chetiya is young in years, but has talent aplenty.
The squad for Asian 7s Series Leg 2:
Danush Dayan, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Jason Dissanaike (Kandy SC); Thilina Banadara (Air Force); Reeza Reffaideen, Dinuk Amerasinghe, Janidu Dilshan, Gemunu Cheitya, Kevin Dixon (CR&FC); Iroshan Silva (Police); Adeesha Weeratunga (Navy); Sudaraka Dikkumbura (Army)
Standby: Chatura Seneviratne (Navy SC)