Havies will aim for bonus points this week

Friday, 29 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Local rugby After the heroics of the last two games, Army will be hard-pressed to prove that the previous encounters were no flash in the pan stuff. In both games they came from behind to snatch a victory. If Kandy plays to their potential then they should have the game under control. If one goes by their performance of Kandy against CR last week, then Army will make them pay for a sloppy performance. Kandy has a distinct advantage in playing at home in front of doting supporters, but that would not worry the Army too much. The battle hardened Army appear ready for any challenge.

Bottom of the table CR and CH will also battle it out and it may be an interesting battle although the quality of the rugby may not be great. It is indeed sad to see such fine clubs battle it out at the bottom of the heap and some urgent infusion of talent is required if they are to make a fist of it this season. Navy has had a strong performance thus far and meeting the Lions at Nawalapitya should not tax them too much. The Lions will be keen to get back to winning ways and a tough contest could ensue for supremacy. The Sharks will take on Police in the southern port city of Hambantota. It’s anybody’s take on this game, but the Sharks will be keen to make a mark on this tournament after their previous lacklustre performance. Given the vast sums spent thus far, one must reap the dividends sooner than later. Havies will finally play a game at home under the much hyped floodlights when they take on Air Force. The first game was abandoned as the lights refused to function when they were needed the most. This had the large crowd quite disappointed that the game did not take place. However in all fairness the bar sales did not do too badly, considering the extra time that was made available to quench the thirst. The Havies will look to winning well maybe even with a bonus point as this could be crucial at the end of the season. As of now the game abandoned game against the Sharks hangs in the balance and a rescheduling would be the best bet. International rugby After last week’s surprise blockbuster, we will settle down to the last of the international games this year as the Wallabies take on the Welsh. Wales have recalled Alex Cuthbert for this game and Wales coach Warren Gatland believes his side can end their eight-match losing streak against Australia on Saturday. It’s ironic that Gatland tasted success as the Lions coach against the Wallabies although never as Welsh coach. I am sure that he will be looking for a change in fortunes this week. Gatland also said a lot could be learned by New Zealand’s last-gasp comebacks in last weekend’s game. “It’s that never-give-in attitude. We saw it in the rugby league as well. I can only talk about my own experiences. You fight until your last breath with everything you’ve got. That’s the mindset. (The writer can be reached via [email protected])

Havies will aim for bonus points this week

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