The Sri Lanka sevens squad that is due to leave for the Borneo sevens tomorrow morning at 7: am. The team (with minor changes)which last set-out to Delhi for the Commonwealth games a few weeks ago will now make an appearance in Borneo for the Asian Rugby Football Union ranking tournament due to commence on the 29th of October and conclude on the 30th of October.
Names of the squad for the Borneo 7s were mysteriously released this morning by certain newspapers despite Sports Ministry approval not being received for the team. Speaking to SLRFU officials, ThePapare found out that the squad had in fact not been approved until this evening.
On the matter of the resignation of coach for the Borneo 7s Inthi Marrikkar, the union stated that Inthi had decided to remain as coach at least till the end of the Borneo sevens. Christopher Jordashe will go along with Inthi as the manager of the team.
The ministry ratified squad representing Sri Lanka is as follows;
Radhika Hettiarachchi (Captain, Air Force), Chanaka Chandimal (Air Force), Charith Seneviratne (Air Force), Dilan de Zoysa (Air Force), Srinath Sooriyabandara (CR and FC), Dinusha Chathuranga (CR and FC), Wishwamithra Jayasinghe (CR and FC), Sajith Saranga (Kandy SC), Saliya Handapangoda (Army), Romesh Archarige (Police), Shenal Dias (St Peter’s), Anuruddha Wilwara (S Thomas’) or Mithun Hapugoda (Air Force).
Radhika Hettiarachchi (captain)
The power house Air Force full back will be leading the Sri Lankan 7’s contingent for the games. He will bring in a lot of power and is the man the coaches will turn to for the bursting runs. He will be vital at the breakdown points a s his tall bulky stature that enables him to counter- ruck the opponents.
Sajith Saranga
The Kandy SC second rower will be playing a very supportive role in the side. His big hit- ups and powerful rucking will give the young outfit some much needed mass. Sajith will be the go- to- guy in the lineouts for Sri Lanka. Saranga will be vital in defense, especially against the much bigger teams of Australia and England
Vishva Mithra Jayasinghe
The CR and FC hero of the year for his magnificent interception in the dying stages of the league game against Kandy will need to conjure a bit more magic. The raw pace and ability to step his way around any defense is a huge advantage for the Lankans. He will be playing in his regular position on the wing and can cause a lot of trouble for his opposition.
Shenal Dias
The lanky Peterite lock will find tremendous advantage through his height. Being one of the two school boys in the squad along with Sansoni does not seem to faze the Sri Lanka youth skipper. His natural ball handling skills and strong ball carries will be a useful component for the team.
Romesh Archirige
The tall police lock will be wearing the national jersey for the first time in Delhi. Relatively new to the game of sevens Archirige was picked for his great counter rucking skills and to bring some size to compete with the immense opposition. Romesh was noticed by the selectors after his great performances in the recently concluded inter club 7’s tournament.
Dinusha Chaturanga
The former Pathana skipper who has been in and out of the national 7’s circuit is making is return to the side after the Carlton 7’s last year. The big CR winger will be used for power runs and corner flag dashes. His size is a huge plus when considering defense.
Srinath Sooriyabandara
The nippy CR half back will be playing the role of the link man for the lions. He too has been in and out of the 7’s squad but has been recognized for his talent for the shorter game. The fast quick- stepping ‘Soori’ a former school boy sevens player of the year will bring quite a bit of experience to the side of youngsters.
Saliya Handapangoda
The young lad from the army has been the surprise star of the squad. After his outstanding tour of Shanghai he now has the experience to go with his side stepping and darting pace. The coaching staff will be looking use him in the corners to sprint his way around the much bigger opposition
Dilan De soysa
The small but powerful scrum half from Air Force will be lethal in defense. His ability to get into a much bigger opponent and drive him back is quite an amazing site, considering his size. Also his great ball skills make him an ideal half back for the game of sevens.
Anuruddha Wilwara
The young Thomian center will bring immense speed and power into the side. He will be used in the short bust hit ups. He will also be used as a sprinter on the wing where the Lankan coach will use him to outpace the opposition.
Charith Seneviratne & Chanaka Chandimal
The young duo from Air Force having gained experience at the Shanghai 7’s will now look to bring it into play when they are sent onto the park. They will use their play making skills in order create overlaps out wide for the speedsters. Both players are also known for their gutsy defense and ability to evade players.
Mithun Hapugoda
Mithun Hapugoda will be a standby for Wilwara who is suffering an injury and is still awaiting the results of his physical test. Mithun is a youngster from Air force who will use his nippy footsteps to wrangle his way around the opposition.
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