Who is the X factor for the Clifford Cup 2019?

Sri Lanka rugby’s history is far too special and thoroughly engaging.... since independence we have been successful with basics and structured accordingly.

Life on planet rugby is max on max. With international rugby almost 24 x 7 with live streaming on TV and the internet.

In this context time is not a consideration, as both hemispheres are active.

The super 15s glittering cauldron is defying science and settling new dimensions as we speak. Fair enough that the world’s best skills are lined up against each other... for packed stadia to turn those generators on. Lights, ticket sales, broadcast and media start to profile the Blues vs Crusaders and prospects.

Faithful fan, diehard fan or complete tourist… the match set up is magnetic.

The Guinness 6 nations and the northern hemisphere play for massive rewards and mega publicity.

If you grab a minute to consider the best rugby nations on the partially green planet… each will carry the most competitive club format for miles around.

Easy to comprehend then... why New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, Wales, Ireland, France, Argentina, Japan, Fiji, Samoa etc... are the absolute top ranked in world rugby.

For us fanatical rugby islanders, we couldn’t ask for more performance and cutting edge, than a league title decider to be the last game on the schedule.

Perfect script for Kandy Lions to prove their class and discipline.

Big hand to Lasantha Wijeysuriya, chairman rugby, coaching Sean Wijesinghe, Nalaka Weerakody and the backroom team… who maintain the 5 times league champions, on the trot.

Love them or hate their guts, you have to admire their high rate of consistency and skills to deliver under pressure.

Let’s see how the knockouts favour their reputation and hunger for yet another double. Little more motivated and hungry... the Havelocks or the CH perhaps… the Dialog Clifford cup starts this weekend in absolute earnest.

More opportunities for Navy, CR or Police to step up and make their own history.

It’s really down to effort and pride.

Leadership vital to steer the ship and clinical execution of the basics, paramount to the W’s each weekend.

Under pressure in the middle... its experience, patience, sharp skills and finishers to do their jobs that matter most.

It’s knockout rugby ... so expect a few upsets at best, coaches become automatic generals and teams under pressure… will discover that the oxygen is mighty thin… even at sea level.

All hail our resident experts to chalk up the challenge and inevitable results on a pundits scale of 1 to 10?

Who will make the final?

Can Kandy maintain their appetite for another trophy or will Havies finally burst through.

Or can CH translate all their reputation into a Cup winning combination?

Who is the X factor for the Clifford Cup 2019? ...and will Lady Clifford herself honour our islander warriors with some special commitments.

So much to contemplate.

Enjoy rugby both local and international… on TV or live in the glorious sunshine.

Hopefully, between the papare.com and Dialog TV everybody gets to watch the best of the best in super slow motion.

Bula bula Sri island knockout rugby.

Only the fittest will survive!