An apology; and blockbuster rugby awaits fans tomorrow

The author of this column extends an earnest apology to its readers who were either offended or hurt, owing to the exceedingly dark and negative tone in the last preview. The fault has been duly noted, and shall be never repeated. 

On the contrary, a prologue has become necessary for this column, as readers have varying expectations when it comes to Schools Rugby write ups. The “Weekly Preview” column will mainly focus on the contrasting skillset of the clashing teams, tips for the underdogs, and match predictions, among some others, that are solely the view of the author. The reader is entitled to either agree or disagree with what is presented. The match predictions are based on the teams’ recent performances in this season, as opposed to their potential performances in the future, or performances during the last year, decade or century. The column also strives to be unbiased and “call a Spade a Spade”, with minimal or no sugar coatings on some occasions. All noteworthy performances of even the losing teams shall be hailed, and all the striking wrongdoings of the winners shall be highlighted. 

The intention is never to bring any particular school down, but to uplift the overall excellence and sportsmanship of the game. Giving undue credit to any institution to keep the readers happy is definitely not the objective of this column. As a critic, some things have to be put bluntly, so that the message is conveyed strongly to those who matter, which may either work as a shot in the arm, or wake up sleeping giants. Hence, the readers are kindly requested to perceive this column in the light of constructive criticism and not otherwise, although it may sound like the latter occasionally. The schoolboys are much stronger in body and mind to take on these criticisms, thus the expectation is that the rugby following community will mirror this stout mindset. Remember that, Rucks and Mauls may break their bones, but words will only enhance them!

The nightmare returns to Rugby Streets in Sri Lanka with 5 matches being played on Saturday. Maybe it’s a ploy by the school officials to keep the fans confined to live streams, and out of the venues?

DSS vs. Kingswood at Havelock Park on 14 July

Kingswood will face an opponent that they could deal with in this away match. However, they would have to face a slightly better Forwards unit than their own, but comparatively way too easier than their previous match. Hopefully they will use the experience handling the heavy Forwards from the Joes match, to easily counter the DS Forwards attacks, just like how Vidyartha was able to, against Dharmaraja. If the DS Forwards can be successfully neutralised, then it will totally be a Backs game.

DS will be the obvious favourites in this match with 2 wins, and their Backs will be much superior to the Boys from Kandy. However, Kingswood has a better chance of stopping the fleeing DS Backs than their last match. Kingswood should also get some assistance from the guaranteed 10 plus infringements from DS, that should be carefully used to either gain territory or kick-to-goal. Kingswood would also have to do a lot of homework to improve their place and touch kicking, if they are to give themselves a chance in this match.

Both Backs are capable of infiltrating each other and therefore, this may turn out to be an interesting game for those who love fast and open rugby.

STC vs. Joes at Big Club Ground on 15 July

As the Thomians were hoping all along, that their task was relatively easy with the disoriented Joes outfit, the latter found and redeemed themselves last weekend, to shock the Schools Rugby community with an astounding performance against Kingswood. Their skills were never a question, but their gameplay, tactics and strategy on how they utilise those skills against specific teams was, and now they have let everyone know that they are back in the game!

Joes shall be the firm favourites in this encounter with adequately more muscles and mass against a lightweight STC unit. The strong Thomian Forwards will face the acid test, mauling and holding their counterparts still. Unless the multitude of handling errors and lineout issues the Mount Lads had in their last encounter two weeks ago are corrected, their splendid touch and place-kicking skills are not going to save them in this match.

The Joes camp will be highly pumped up after the unfortunate incident that followed a brief interaction with Savages in civil attire, last weekend in the Palle Jungle. Being instilled with honourable values by their mentor, they will exhibit their muscle and might in the game of rugby, rather than stooping down to abasing fisticuffs. They will play this one and all future matches for their coach, hence there will be little or no hope for the Thomians, despite all the clever tactical planning of Coach Shamlie, done during the two weeks they had to prepare for this match. One thing that you can bet on is that the Thomians will keep chasing the Joes, and may even end up with a bonus point or two; thus, this will definitely be a tightly contested encounter, as both teams would be playing this match for the second place in their group.

Isipathana vs. Anthony’s at CR & FC on 15 July

This would be another exciting match played on Saturday, although a general, false hype was created about the previous Pathana match against DS. Why, you may ask? What does Antho have that DS doesn’t, you may add? Isn’t DS a better team because they beat Antho, you may quiz? 

Antho’s game is all about tactics that are tailored to each opponent they are up against. However, they or for that matter no one, had any idea about the gameplay or skill set of the DS team, and therefore formulating a strategy prior to their first match seems impossible. This Antho team has got all the required elements to match up to the Green Machine. Does this mean, there are chances for an upset? Very unlikely. Nevertheless, SACK will give a fine chase to the Greens, and finish up with a much better tally than what DS managed to accomplish, and possibly with a bonus point as well.

The two teams are well balanced in most of the skills, particularly the Forwards, and therefore it will be entertaining to watch them clash, although both teams would prefer to run the ball and attack with their backs. Both teams are quite effective in touch and place kicking, and coordinated marked tackling. Pathana will have the distinctive edge with their superior and unmatched three quarters. They possess the secondary advantage of being the better team on turnovers at the rucks and lineouts.

The storyline of this game will pan out based on how both teams perform under pressure. Isipathana had significantly cut down on their infringements in their last game, and they ought to sustain it because their opponent owns a pair of golden boots!

Zahira vs. St. Peter’s at Zahira on 15 July

Zahira will take on the second-best team (not by rank) in their group, and this would be their last opportunity to give themselves a chance to make it to the super round, and fulfil their aspiration. Having performed extremely well against Royal in the first half, they now stand wiser to reserve their energy to be used throughout the game, instead of just the first 45-50 minutes. Luckily for them, they will require less stamina for this game than their last, and are better poised to take on the Bamba Brigade who has shown some signs of weaknesses in their last match.

The Zahira Forwards would have a better chance to plough through their counterparts. However, their Backs will face challenges in infiltrating their opponents, unless they could create spaces using their Forward attacks. For this to materialise, Zahira has to be playing in Peter’s 22, and will rely on the touch kicking skills of Ahamad Saad to get them there. Saad would also be eager to cash-in on all penalties offered, while in the opposition’s grid.

Peter’s showed weakness in ball handling and place kicking in their last game. These shortcomings, if not corrected by match day, will give Zahira the added advantage that they could capitalise. As it remains from their last encounter, the Zahirians hardly gave away possession, by cutting down on infringements and handling errors considerably. Thus, it would be a challenging affair to get the ball back from such opponents.

Royal vs. Dharmaraja at Royal Complex on 15 July

Although Royal College was ready for the Bradby Shield last week itself, they would have one last chance to attain perfection, specially to continue to keep their goal line uncrossed. So far, their line has been crossed only twice this season. 

Dharmaraja can offer them different forms of offensives, both with their Backs and Forwards. Although they have the potential to perform better than Vidyartha, their unrealistic tally in infringements and handling errors in the last match, would spell nothing short of disaster for them. As previously mentioned, they already have the Rugby skills, sense, and the attitude to persevere, and all they have to do is minimise these blunders, to give them a chance to compete in this match.

Trinity vs. Science at Pallekele on 15 July

Trinity would have preferred to test its wits against Zahira this week, in preparation for the 1st leg of the Bradby Shield to be played at home next weekend. Instead, they will play this encounter to decide who takes the last position in their Group.

Both teams are evenly matched for this encounter, with Trinity having the edge with a win, playing at home, and the Bradby fever. Yet, this would be a close and exciting encounter for the Kandy fans, with yet another treat of fast and open rugby. The neutral fans would hope that science had made use of the two weeks they had, to improve their game and come up with something that they can show for.

Wesley and Vidyartha will take a break on the fifth week.