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The Asian Rugby Football Union under 19 Championships
A lot to be desired
By Vimal Perea
The Asian Rugby Football Union under 19 Championship held in Lahore Pakistan has been completed. The Japanese established themselves as number one for this region beating Korea the defending champions. Chinese Taipei with their victory over Thailand occupy third place and became the third team to earn a place for the World U19 Championship to be played in Dubai during April 2006.
Sri Lanka who went down to Korea in their first match beat Kazakhstan on day two and had to be satisfied with that single victory. Having lost to Thailand and thereafter to Malaysia they ended in 6th Place.

Jarrad Gallagher and Jamie Scott writing to the IRB website after the Sri Lanka match on day one said “Sri Lanka are looking good as one of the teams that could make a run for the vacant spot, for Asia at 2006 IRB World U19 being hosted by the Arabian Gulf in Dubai from 4th to 22nd April. Their two tries against Korea came from taking their opportunities when they got them, something they should continue to do” That was something they did not continue to do other than in the second match against Kazakhstan which they won 21 to 5. This was a match where Kazakhstan paid for their lack of discipline having three player’s sin-binned.

Sri Lanka who was pre match favorites then lost to Thailand on day three by a score of 25 to 10. On day 4 they lost to Malaysia who came from behind by 17 points to 15. The question is what went wrong with a side which was rated of having potential to be the third?

An answer to this is not simple. Neither should the answer be to point fingers but to have reasons explained so that we could correct ourselves as we move ahead in the game. It is also needed to enable discussion and action for improvement considering the objectives of the Union.

Discussing the issues at hand with authoritative sources it transpired that the biggest problem is the lack of skills. That is the players basic technical skills are at fault. This is a result of improper coaching of the boys at school level. This argument may sometimes be dismissed by many as being frivolous. We opine at most times during the season about the high standard of the game at school level. Competitively among talented youth of equal status the game gathers momentum and spectator interest. The conclusion however may not be that therefore our skill levels are adequate. Considering the performance at the youth Asiad we must accept that our U19 levels are below that of the rest in the region.

It is therefore imperative that the SLRFU fast track the intended scheme for training and accrediting of coaches. Or else the objectives set will be confined to dreams. One cannot expect miracles from any coach given in charge of the youth for a period of less than two months. The guiding of talent in the development of technical and position specific skills must commence at an early stage. That is the formative years. The other point that surfaces is the inability to be psychologically tuned to expect commitment. Having done well against Korea and Kazakhstan the youth seemed to not have the staying power and commitment to win. What other plausible reason can one give for the performance?

Other weaknesses that have been noted are poor passing techniques and position specific skill inadequacy. If the chosen hooker who is the best among the talent available cannot throw into a line out then he has an inherent weakness. The other alternative of a forward taking the throw but does not live up to expectation makes matters worse. To win you must have possession and if line outs are lost on your throw, there is a problem. If you have possession and the chosen fullback does not know what is to be done or the scrum half selects wrong options then you have a problem.

It is therefore of utmost importance that the Schools Section and the SLRFU join hands for the improvement of the game. Unlike in the past both sides are working together and therefore with time things can be improved. The schools masters have done well within their capacity and with lesser guidance. They I am sure will do better with the improved relationship with the Union.

The school authorities in the absence of a structure and accreditation process select a coach who they feel is talented. To attain excellence what is required is to have a structured methodology to improve the knowledge of the coaches who are committed and have harnessed talent using what they were taught or using the aptitude they possess in themselves. Knowledge can be distributed through workshops as well as making available reading material and audio visual support. There is an abundance of training videos in the rugby world. There is also reading material on the internet. The need is to guide them through a process of imparting knowledge.

Possibly there may be many who may not agree with what I have stated. That itself is good. Discussion must be generated and answers found and solution reached. The best bet will be for the SLRFU and The SLSRFA to take the initiative and have a forum in similar lines to the congress held recently. Hope for the better in 2006 and all the best to every one: readers and rugby fans.

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