“Play to potential – the bronze is possible” -- Rupasinghe

After 11 years of rugby at the highest level, Sri Lankan fullback Nalaka Weerakkody says that he is going to call it quits after the Asian Games. Despite criticism of various quarters, Weerakkody has been exemplary during training according to the management. Manager of the Lankan team Chaminda Rupasinghe said that Weerakkody was the first to arrive for practice even before he knew that he would be part of touring 12. Weerakkody replaced Mohommad Sheriff who according the coach has a hairline fracture on his wrist.

“I have to be an example for the younger guys. Skipper Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Deputy Sajith Mallikarachchi and I are the elder statesmen in the team. All the other guys are quite young. I have also dropped the court case against the Union. I told my lawyers that all I wanted do was to play rugby. I have got that opportunity,” Weerakkody told The Sunday Times.
Jayasinghe said that this was the best team he has played since 2001. That year Sri Lanka reached the bowl semis in Dubai where they lost to Wales by just five points. Former national coach Willie Taraneko once said that Jayasinghe was the only player the All Blacks would choose. Jayasinghe’s comment was typically modest. “He probably said that because I scored against the All Blacks in a sevens tournament.”

Head coach for the first time is Tulagaese Tavita better known as Laga. He said: I am very optimistic of our chances. I believe that if we play to our potential we can win the bronze medal. We have done the hard work like fatigue training, mental and physical discipline etc.”

Some critics have questioned the wisdom of changing the side given the impressive showing at the Singer International Sevens. And the only criticism of the Lankan side was that Jayasinghe was called upon to to do 80 to 90 metre sprints. When asked Laga said; “We did not have much option when it came to the changes. I have seen the X rays of Sheriff’s wrist. To my knowledge other than for Sheriff only Eranga Weerakkody and Dushan Lewke are missing. Eranga has a groin injury and will be out for three months. I sat down with selectors and I believe the replacements are more than adequate.

For example Nalaka Weerakkody has around ten years experience in sevens rugby. Ashan de Costa as you would have seen, has loads of talent. It is a big jump from school to international. That is why playing with experienced guys around him is so crucial. As for Jayasinghe, we may shift him to center. If you look at good international teams, all the players are capable of crossing the touch line. That is how it should be. The burden should not fall on one person.”

This writer observed both Laga and assistant coach Nishantha Chanaka playing on different teams at practice. Laga’s response to the obvious question was that the players needed to get a taste of competitive rugby. Rupasinghe echoes his captain’s sentiments when he said that this was the best side he had managed since 2001.

“It will not be easy. But if we perform on the field what we have done in practice, then the bronze medal is possible. We are playing both matches under lights, but that should not be a factor as most of the guys have played in those conditions,” said Rupasinghe.