Sports

Sri Lanka include 4 props

BY DINESH Weerawansa

SRI LANKA has added more weight to their pack as they scrum down with Singapore in their IRB World Cup rugby qualifier to be played at CR & FC grounds, Longden Place in Colombo this evening.

With Singapore being allowed to have one third of their team with expatriates, the Sri Lanka anticipates a greater challenge from the visiting forwards. In a bid to match the challenge expected to be thrown by the Singaporean 'eight', Sri Lanka has strengthened their pack by including four props in their squad.

Former Royal forward Shamil Mohammed has been included amongst the four props with the other three being Nilan Ekanayake, Jayantha Ranaweera and Kishor Jehan.

The morale of the Sri Lanka team is high following their 48-38 win against Thailand in the first IRB World Cup qualifier played in Thailand a fortnight ago. On the other hand, they will have the home advantage as they play at the venue they have their normal practice sessions.

However, both Sri Lanka and Singapore have beaten Thailand in their first World Cup qualifying round games.

While Sri Lanka made a late come back with two match winning tries in the last five minutes to break a 38-all deadlock and win by a ten-point margin. However, Singapore had a comfortable win against Thailand.

Chairman of selectors, Dr. Maiya Gunasekera predicted a tough game today. "We have been told that Singapore has a better set of forwards. Hence, it all depends how we are going to match them in forwards play. Nevertheless, we are playing at home and have a good set of three quarters too," he said.

However, Dr. Gunasekera said Sri Lanka should be able to turn things in their favour if they play their heart outs.

Sri Lanka has a couple of injury worries with Saranath Hettiarachchi of Kandy SC being forced to be out of final XV. Fly half Fazil Marija is due to undergo a late fitness test this morning. But there are no major concerns in the Lankan camp which has been training hard under George Simpkin and his deputy C. P. Abeygoonawardena.

Prop Jehan and Dinesh Sanjeewa had an outstanding game for Central Province against the touring Public Schools and impressed the selectors to be included in the squad.