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Lanka gearing for next step in rugby dream
By Shamseer Jaleel
Sri Lankan rugby football team will be tested to the maximum when they take on China in the Rugby World Cup Asian Qualifier on 29 April at Longdon Place. The kick off will be at 3.30 pm. The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union in promoting the game has already distributed free tickets for school children all over the Island.

Sri Lanka’s fairytale dream for a place in the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France is just four games away, but it is just as difficult from this point onwards. The Lankans who already tasted victories over India, Thailand, Singapore and Kazakhstan will be hoping for outstanding performances from the local lads if they are to move forward to the next stage. Sri Lanka after meeting China on 29 April will wing to Hong Kong and take on the hosts on 14 May. Even if Sri Lanka loses to China in a close battle still there are chances to advance to the Group A. In that case they will not only have to beat Hong Kong but also hope and pray that Hong Kong beats China.

Already Japan and Korea have booked their place in Group A. If the Lankans end as number three by beating China and Hong Kong then they will be playing on a home and away basis against Japan and Korea which will be a remarkable performance for local rugby in the country. Only once in 1974 Sri Lanka ended as Runner up to Japan thus becoming second in Asia.

Once again former Isipathana and Kandy Sports Club captain Sajith Mallikarachchi will lead the Lankan outfit. The Sri Lankan team of 22 players will be selected after today’s two selection games.

Sri Lanka Pool :-Dilhan Ekanayake, Tuan Jehan, Anura Perera, Anura Walpola, Viraj Prasantha, Anura Dharmatilake, Dinesh Sanjeewa, Dilanka Wijesekera, Dushantha Lewke, Amjad Buksh, Fazil Marija, Asanga Rodrigo, Sajith Malikarachchi (Capt), Sendil Kumar, Chamara Vithanage, Lalindra rodrigo,
Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Mohamed Sheriff, T.A. Silva, Senaka Bandara, Sean Wijesinghe, S. Arunashantha, Zulki Hameed, Saranath Hettiarachchi, Ashan Karthelies, Saliya Kumara, Achala Perera, Asanka Perera, Berite Jayasekera, A. Kotalwela, A. Lankathilake, J. Runaweera.
Referee – Taizo Hirabayshi (Japan)

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