Sri Lanka meet New Zealand as history made at Nittawela today
Sri Lanka will take the field today for a historic rugby clash against New Zealand’s Under-85kg team at Nittawela in Kandy. This highly anticipated match kicks off at 4:15pm, marking a special moment in Sri Lanka’s rugby history. It has been more than 70 years since a New Zealand rugby team, then called the New Zealand Colts, played their first match in Sri Lanka in 1955. The Tuskers now have the chance to write their own chapter in this storied rivalry.
“This is more than just a match; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow,” said Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, Sanath Martis, ahead of the game.
“We’ve given everyone in our 36-member pool a chance to play. This will be a great experience for our players, especially as we prepare for the Asian Rugby Championship in July.”
New Zealand U-85kgs: Pasia Asiata, Ben Biggelaar, Rory Cavanagh, Lewis Craik, Jeandre Du Toit, Luke Eyre, Josh Gellert, Frazer Harrison, Tyler Koning, Jack Laity, Callum Nimmo, Ridgley Paxton, Josh Purdon, Tom Rowland, Simon Sia, Matt Treeby, Campbell Busby, Taine Cordell-Hull, Jackson Ephraims, Ben Megson, Ned Milne, Francis Morrison, Jarred Percival (Captain), Jamie Petford, Adam Preston, Eamon Reilly, Ben Scott, Pieter Swarts Coach: Ngatai Walker, Manager: Grant Wilson
With players like Nigel Ratwatte leading the charge, the Sri Lankan team has a mix of experience and youthful energy. Ratwatte, a stalwart of Sri Lankan rugby, will be key in planning the team’s strategy on the field. Alongside him, players such as Kavindu Perera and Hirantha Perera will need to dig deep to control the physicality of New Zealand’s forwards, while backs like Srinath Sooriyabandara and Sandesh Jayawickrama will be tasked with unlocking the defensive lines of the visitors.
For New Zealand U-85kgs, this is an exciting first foray as an official national side. Though it’s their debut as a formal squad, the team brings substantial experience to the table. Twelve players in their lineup featured in last season’s dramatic National Club Cup final, showcasing their top-tier pedigree.
Captain Jarred Percival, who has previously represented the Heartland XV, brings leadership and grit to the side. Meanwhile, Tyler Koning, a former Dutch international, and Tom Rowland, an ex-England U-18 prop, offer their experience and add strength to the New Zealand squad.
Sri Lanka: Nigel Ratwatte (Captain), Srinath Sooriyabandara, Kavindu Perera, Shaahid Zumri, Hirantha Perera, Sandesh Jayawikrama, Jayathu Rajarathna, Janindu Fernando, Senura Perera, Naveen Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Chathura Soysa, Mohommad Nizraan Nilar, Venura Kodagoda, Vimukthi Gamage, Thanuja Jayaweera, Nirosh Perera, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Mohammad Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Pasindu Bandara, Hafiz Thabith, Lahiru Thilakaratne, Dinesh de Silva, Shamika Kaushan Coach: Sanath Martis, Manager: Rohan Chinthaka
New Zealand’s squad, although in their debut year, is stacked with experienced players from top rugby clubs. Ngatai Walker, New Zealand’s head coach, is confident that his team’s blend of talent and leadership will stand them in good stead.
“We’ve handpicked players who can handle the pressure of international competition. This game is a chance to show what we’re capable of, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Walker explained.
The match is expected to be an intense physical encounter, with the Tuskers aiming to use their home advantage to the fullest.
“We are not just playing for the win but for the future of Sri Lankan rugby,” said skipper Ratwatte.
As much as the Sri Lankan players are ready for the battle, Martis emphasises the value of the game in terms of long-term development. “We’re building a strong foundation, and this match will be a good test of our physicality, skill, and mental strength,” he noted.
The challenge for Sri Lanka lies in keeping pace with New Zealand’s speed and technical superiority. However, with their own blend of determination and hunger to succeed, the Tuskers are ready to rise to the occasion.
“We know New Zealand will come at us hard. But we’ll be ready,” Ratwatte added.
“This is a huge opportunity for our players to show what they can do. It’s a big challenge, but we believe we can handle it.”