Sri Lanka`s amazing success run at the Rugby World Cup qualifiers will be put to test when it confronts the might of China`s powerful rugby players, at a rugby union international at the Ceylonese Rugby Football Club Grounds in Colombo, this afternoon.
The island nation has over the last two years worked on beefing up its defence and the team as a result has turned itself into a very competitive outfit in the Asian circuit.
Starting its campaign to qualify for the World Cup as the ninth best team in the Asian rankings, the players of this tiny island nation showed huge promise for the future when they beat fancied teams like Singapore and Kazakhstan before qualifying to meet China and Hong Kong.
The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union officials went through some anxious moments during the past when there was speculation that the national coach, George Simpkin, was going to quit following a dispute with a player. However, lady luck shone Sri Lanka`s way when the authorities somehow managed to convince the New Zealander to stay on, which resulted in the country continuing to have the services of a winning combination which comprises a willing set of players, a knowledgeable and respected coach and a capable manager. The only player missing from this impressive line-up will be Pavithra Fernando, whose presence will be greatly felt this afternoon.
Many put down the availability of the cream of the country`s players for selection and the international season coinciding with the local rugby season as the reason for the Sri Lankan rugby players being able to play at their best at all the World Cup qualifiers to date. However, unlike in the past the players have only been training with the national pool and whatever sweat they have shed at their respective clubs can be put down to off season training.
China is expected to dominate proceedings with their ever improving rugby players who have been successful in earning invitations for almost all reputed international rugby tournaments.
The team has come down with as many as 28 players and will be at full strength for this crucial fixture, which is expected to commence at 3.30 pm.
teams: Sri Lanka from: D.Ekanayake, J.Ranaweera, S.Hettiarachchi, S.Swarnatilake, V.Prashantha, A.Perera, S.Bandara, A.Dharmatilake, D.Sanjeewa, S.Wijesinghe, D.Wijesekare, D.Lewke, D.Perera, A.Buksh, L.Rodrigo, A.Rodrigo, S.Mallikarachchi (Captain), F.Marija, S.Jayasinghe, C.Vithanage, M.Sheriff, S.Kumara, T.A.Silva
China from: Lin Jiandi, Chen Jian, Yuan Guoqiang, Chen Zhoughao, Ma Bing, Wu Jiangtao, Hu Ming, Zhou Bo, Chen Zhun, Chen Xiaomeng, Li Yi, Cao Zhuwen, Yu Xiaoxiang, Yang Xuchin, Sun Tao, Li Shufeng, Zhu Peihou, Yu Guoliang, Li Shidong, Shi Tong, Li Sheng, Li Ning, Deng Yingliang, Chen Le, Zhang Xin, Zhang Jun, Wang Sibo, Shi Ximgang, Xu Yang.
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