|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 21 June 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Sports | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Basnayake retains captaincy for IRB World Cup By Dinesh Weerawansa Second row forward Pradeep Basnayake who led the Sri Lankan rugby union Test team last year, has retained the job for their IRB World Cup qualifying round matches against India in Mumbai tomorrow and against Thailand in Colombo on June 30. The bad news from the Sri Lanka camp is the forced withdrawal of Sajith Mallikarachchi and Sanjeewa Jayasinghe. The ex-Isipatanian is nursing a fracture and has been asked to rest by his doctors. Speedy wing three quarter Jayasnghe, who has been a vital link in Sri Lanka 'line', is down with flu. Chairman of selectors, Dr. Maiya Gunasekera said the absence of the duo would be a big loss. "Nevertheless, I expect the boys to do well. Our chances look bright against India while we it would be advantageous for us playing at home against Thailand," he said. The former Royal, CR & FC and Sri Lanka player said Sri Lanka has a mobile 'pack' but lacks weight. However, he said, that the Sri Lankan forwards could overcome the lack of weight if they play intelligently and make maximum use of the good ball. Dr. Gunasekera said India is likely to field two to three foreigners in their team as IRB rules permit a team to play expatriates. Hence, Sri Lanka may expect some shock moves by India, the babes of Asian rugby. Skipper Basnayake will have Senaka Bandara in the second row. Experienced Pavithra Fernando, son of Sri Lanka NOC President Hemasiri Fernando, will play in the third row with Malewana. Sumedha Jayasinghe could fit in either in second or third rows. Royal full back Buhardeen will make his rugby union Test debut tomorrow. In the absence of Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, centre Rajitha Jayasundara and winger Radhika Hettiararchchi will have a greater responsibility in back division play. With a somewhat weakened back division due to injuries, Sri Lanka will have to focus their game plan mainly with their forwards, who are capable of shouldering tough challenges. Dr. Gunasekera predicted the Sri Lankans to face a greater challenge from Thailand, which scored 72 points against Sri Lanka in the last outing. "They come here with a huge reputation as regional champions. They have made good preparations. But we have home advantage and determination to make our presence felt" he added. Among the others in the 23-member tour squad are Kingswood stand off M. Fazeel, Asanga Rodrigo, Shamil Mohammed, Ekanayake, Walpola, Viraj Prasanna, Malewana, K. Ganapathy and Thalagalapitiya. Dr. Gunasekera said almost all the players in the squad are likely get a chance to play. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
