Expect exciting rugby at Singer ASIAD

Road to Singer Rugby Asiad 2007:

Ken de JOODT

With just five days to go before the ‘Singer’ Rugby ASIAD is staged on Sri Lanka soil after 17 years (last played here in 1990), the excitement and enthusiasm is gathering momentum - to witness some great Rugby.

Most certainly the Rugby fans from the countries playing in this tournament from China, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, will focus their attention on Rugby in Sri Lanka from November 3 to 10.

It would be of keen interest to see how Sri Lanka, rated as No: 6 in this Tournament, measures up to the five countries ‘standing’ above them, i.e. - Chinese Taipei, China, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Malaysia.

In addition, four other countries - Iran, India, Pakistan and Qatar have been included on this occasion, to participate in this final ASIAD, before the format of the tournament changes next year.

Speaking to one of Sri Lanka’s finest forwards produced by Royal College, Brian Baptist, who also Captained the CH & FC and represented Sri Lanka in 1974 at the ASIAD in Pusan, South Korea, he said he was confident that Sri Lanka should perform well.

If they can put the past behind, discipline themselves to work as a team and rely on securing possession of the ball by using it correctly, success could favour Sri Lanka.

Agreeing readily to this statement, it is also vitally necessary for the players to “read the game” and assess the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. So often we see aimless kicking or wrong timings of basic passing, which results in ‘wasteful ways’ of ‘good ball’.

Another important factor would be the powerful play of the ‘pack’, starting with the front row right down to the flankers.

Indeed, Sri Lanka Rugby fans could express their gratitude to the SLRFU President, Nimal Lewke, the CEO Dilroy Fernando and others involved in the committee, for ‘battling it out’ with the ARFU to stage this ASIAD in Colombo, despite objections been raised on the basis of “security reasons”. “Thank you - for the Rugby”!

Anton Benedict as Chairman of the Selection Committee has proved himself right on fair and just principals, to select a team that falls in line with the normal rules of discipline.

However, there seems to have been a ‘lack of communication’ (which is such a common feature in Sri Lanka!), between the SLRFU and the Selection Committee.

Perhaps it should not deprive the five ‘innocent star players’ of representing their country because of taking “French leave” to witness the World Cup Rugby in France!

It is just another instance seen ‘on the field’ in Sri Lanka Rugby of players taking the ‘Wrong options’ at the right time! - but now ‘off the field’ it has turned out to be the ‘right option’ at the ‘wrong time’!

So let it be seen and judged, by their performance in the first game against China at Longdon Place on Saturday 3rd November (kick-off at 4.20 p.m.), which will confirm the ‘right’ from the ‘wrong’ - and permit Sri Lanka to put out their best team. Suitable, justifiable action can then be considered where it deems fitting!

Many are in agreement that discipline and staying within the framework of rules and regulations, must be maintained for a better future. In fact, players should view it with more responsibility and dignity to do what is right... and be a good “TEAM PLAYER” at all times.

In this kind of situation, where players are selected to represent the Nation (or Club or School), should in future, not be allowed to keep off practices, unless the players are willing to forego or sacrifice their chances of selection.

Best wishes go out to the Sri Lanka team as they regroup, ‘consolidate’ and move forward - in this Singer ASIAD!