Sports

Sri Lanka and NZ gear up for epic showdown

A fascinating series is on the cards when the Sri Lankan Tuskers host the New Zealand Under-85kg Rugby Team for the second successive year for two Test matches, starting next week. The series will be played for the Sir Graham Henry Trophy.

The first Test between the two teams will be played on April 25 at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo and the second Test will be played on May 3 at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy. Both matches kick-off at 4.15 p.m.

The inaugural series between the two teams turned out to be a blockbuster although the New Zealand Under-85kg team emerged victorious in both their outings. The visitors took the first Test 50-10 in Kandy and clinched the second Test 32-6 in Colombo.

Despite these setbacks, the Sri Lankan Tuskers managed to obtain a great amount of international exposure as they had the opportunity of playing against a word-class opposition in their backyard.

Under-85kg rugby is a weight-restricted format designed to promote inclusivity, skill and safety by removing size mismatches from the game.

The format places a strong emphasis on speed, fitness, decision making and technical ability rather than physical size.

Ben Sinnamon, Head Coach of the New Zealand Under-85kg Team said the tour presents a demanding rugby challenge for the group.

“From a rugby perspective, this is a fantastic opportunity for our players. The Tuskers are a passionate rugby team and we know the standard will be higher again in 2026.”

“Playing in that environment, including the heat and conditions, places real demands on preparation, discipline and execution. This tour gives our players the chance to test themselves properly, grow as a team and experience what it means to represent New Zealand offshore.”

Sri Lanka Squad

Prop forwards: Vimukthi Deshan, Hansitha de Silva, Charith Silva, Nisal Silva, Kaveesha Amarasekera, Yoshitha Sithumina, Dilshan Jaya, Sabith Mushin.

Hooker: Pulasthi Dassanayake, Venura Kodagoda, Shamika Kaushan.

Second row forwards: Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Shashika Jayawardena, Shenal Adikaram.

Flankers: Tharindu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thilakaratne, Omalka Gunaratne, Oliver Buckle, Naham Hemachandra, Udesh Madushanka, Achitha Radeeshan.

Number 8: Lasindu Karunathilaka (Captain), Chathura Dilshan.

Scrum halves: Harsha Maduranga, Vidhuna Amaneth, Kaveesha Kaluarachchi, Koojana Kulathunga.

Fly halves: Thenuka Nanayakkara, Isuru Kongahage, Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Naveen Kanishka.

Centres: Akash Madushanka, Dilruksha Dange, Manilka Ruberu, Pramod Padmasanka, Dilshara Kodagoda.

Wingers: Janindu Dilshan, Dinal Ekanayake, Gemunu Chethiya, Jayathu Rajarathne, Chemod Muthunayake, Arosh Rathnayake.

Full backs: Murshid Doray, Yuwan Pathirana.

New Zealand U-85kg Squad

Forwards: Callum Nimmo, Matt Treeby, Tom Rowland, Frazer Harrison, Jeandre Du Toit, Simon Sia, Oliver Dunn-Parrant, Jack Laity, Rory Cavanagh, Billy Sloan, Bailey Clark, Pasia Asiata, Josh Purdon, Josh Gellert, Josh Evans, Sunia Vosikata.

Backs: Jackson Ephraims, Taine Cordell Hull, Jarred Percival, Toby Snelgrove, Adam Preston, Campbell Busby, Mafea Taiulu Feso, Nick Robertson, Ben Kelt, Ned Milne, Francis Morrison, Pieter Swarts.

Source - Sunday Observer