Sri Lanka clash with India and Hong Kong today

Vernon GUNASEKERA Reporting from Hong Kong

The Sri Lankan Rugby Sevens team who has arrived here in Hong Kong with the ambition of qualifying for the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens from the Asian region, will clash with wooden spoonists India and the more formidable host nation Hong Kong, later today.

For Sri Lanka, led by experienced three quarter Pradeep Liyanage, the first match-up against rookies India, will not be much of a contest, but the litmus test for them will be the tie against the hosts (HK).

Unlike Sri Lanka, Hong Kong are a vastly experienced Sevens team having taken part in almost all major International Sevens tournaments sanctioned by the International Rugby Board (IRB), hence it is going to be a do or die situation for the Sri Lankans.

Another aspect which could favour the home side will be the fact that they will be boosted by the presence of foreign expats in their ranks and no doubt it will be a very tall order for Pradeep Liyanage’s men to prevail over such a team.

Hong Kong created a stunning upset when they drew with France 21 - all in the reputed Hong Kong Sevens International tournament early this year in HK, and in the same competition in the ‘Bowl’ quarter final they defeated Asian giants Japan 19-14 to make it to the Semi Final, which proves the fact that Hong Kong will not be making up the numbers as far as the RWC Asian Qualifiers are concerned. If Sri Lanka is somehow of the other able to get the better of Hong Kong today, then will lock horns with another top-ranked team, Korea.

But, if they were to lose to Hong Kong, then their next opponents will be Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

It will also be a memorable day for two schoolboys from Isipathana MV, Sajith Saranga and Dinusha Chathuranga as it will be the first time that they will be donning the national jersey abroad.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Women’s Sevens team led by H.A.P. Lankara also will stride onto the field today, with the purpose of qualifying for the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens from the Asian region next year.

They will first go head to head with China, before meeting Arabian Gulf.