It’s Bradby time again

On the local school rugby front, the issue of referees appears to be drawing to a close with some form of agreement being reached. It appears that the voice of the referees has finally been heard and that certain matches will be played at neutral venues. Action is to be taken against those officials who have either threatened or manhandled the referees. Whilst this appears to a part of the problem solved, the other half of the schools themselves taking action against the players as recommended by the Rugby Union is yet to materialise. The fact that the second leg of the Bradby is taking place without the requisite action being taken is indicative of the schools, the players and the event being considered larger than the game itself. Whilst a majority of the rugby fans will no doubt agree that matters of discipline should have taken pride of place, a large number of them will not voice such an opinion in public for fear of retaliation.

The other issue is that the referees too must upgrade their skill and competence. This will no doubt go a long way in appeasing the wishes of the rugby fans who have honestly believed that the referees are either biased or incompetent. Jonathan Kaplan’s one week stint may not be the answer, but a more focused and sustainable training program with the trainers reviewing the on-field performance thereafter.  

The second leg of the much sought after event in the schools rugby calendar will be played over the weekend. All the movers and shakers of Colombo and its suburbs will be in action sporting trendy outfits, despite the inclement weather and irrespective of their knowledge of the finer points of the game. But then who cares, it’s an event that is not to be missed and it matters to be seen at the Bradby and thereafter proclaim that I was there too. The Trinity Lions will be looking to make it a clean sweep and there appears little in their way in terms stern opposition. However Royal has shown strength and character when the chips are down and in front of their home crowd, on the hallowed Royal complex turf they will want to teach the Lions a thing or two. Thus it all boils down to an enthralling contest, and may the better side win with rugby being the eventual and overall winner.

The Joes will also be in action over the weekend against the Thoras, and unfortunately both games are scheduled for the same day. I am at a loss to understand the reasons for the same. The Thoras have had a good season in the second-tier and are looking at being in the main competition next year. Ironically they appear to be in line to earn a promotion at the expense of Pathana who were the league champs in 2012. How things have changed in a period of twelve months. It is similar in the corporate world as well. Success in a particular year does not guarantee success thereafter. One needs to keep on fine tuning and working on little things so that continuous improvements takes place. Gone are the days of complacency and domination.

On the international front, Samoa takes on Italy after their last week’s win against the Scots. The NZ vs. France second test should be interesting as well. I thought that the All Blacks looked rusty last week and had a narrow win against France. If all goes well NZ, should have a better game this week and be able to see off the French challenge with ease. The British Lions will have another stern test when they meet the Waratahs. It is believed that Coach Warren Gatland has selected the vast majority of players who are expected to be in his first Test line-up to play the Wallabies on 22 June. Jonny Sexton is the strong favourite to wear the No.10 jersey ahead of Owen Farrell, who played against the Reds last week. All in all it appears to be panning out well for a blockbuster series against the Wallabies starting on 22 June.

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