Sri Lanka return home to face UAE and redemption from a Hong Kong China mauling. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor).
Sri Lanka’s battered image in Asian rugby readies for another test of their ability and justification to be in the top four against UAE at the Racecourse ground in Colombo.
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After a mauling by Hong Kong China last week, Sri Lanka will be backpedalling and urgently seeking answers and redress for their embarrassment after failing qualification and the dream of playing in the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
There’s no use mulling over the past few games which has clearly identified Sri Lanka’s forwards being substandard for rugby at its highest.
There’s clearly no quick fix for the Lankans, whose limited preparation for a tournament of this nature and chaotic coaching structure is responsible for their disjointed performance.
The blame game does not rest at the coaching structure and lack of proper planning and preparation. It has a lot to do with the the recognition and financial remuneration to players and coaches, the latter, who have reportedly walked away in disgust at the lack of support and respect.
All they can settle for right now is to show resilience and put up a brave performance against a team that has already upset Hong Kong China and prove they are no quitters that will fall down and be run over at home.
Sri Lanka’s rushed in coach Rodney Gibbs must be at his wits end trying to fix the problems in the scrums which is an embarrassing spectacle against all comers including New Zealand’s under 85kg weight category which found better techniques can offset and counter weight disadvantage.
Sri Lanka were allowed to play a front row that did not exceed 105 kgs against the “Small Blacks ” who were restricted to 85 kgs in their two encounters.
Hopefully the fanatical home crowd will spur the Tuskers on to a special moment that will see them over the line against UAE and restore the faith of a future that will see them advance to the world stage in the not too distant path ahead.
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