The most coveted event in the local rugby calendar, the Bradby Shield encounter will take center stage this weekend as the second leg kicks-off in the Lion’s Den on Saturday at 4.10 pm. Royal will travel to the Hill capital with a 5 point lead, knowing that any points in the bag is a bonus in what promises to be a cracker of a game.
Not just the rugby experts but even the grassroots players will understand what Royal’s strength is. Although some say it is boring, there’s absolutely no harm in playing to your strengths throughout the 80 minutes. On the other hand I think Royal should be applauded as they have been able to employ the maul consistently with little to no mistakes this season. Surely Royal’s driving maul was far better than what was on display by the Tuskers last Sunday against Singapore in the Asia Rugby Championship.
Trinity have no one to blame but themselves for the 1st leg result as they had their chances but just could not exploit them. Their backs are much better than the oppositions, regardless of whether it is Thishila Perera or Lashane Wijesuriya at No10, whenever they send the ball out wide they threaten to put points on the board.
Royal could not have asked for a better start to the 1st leg, scoring the quickest try in Bradby history. As the final whistle was blown with the scoreboard reading 22-17 in favour of the hosts, that early try stood out as the clear difference between a win and a draw.
Key Matchups
Azmir Fajudeen (RC Hooker) v Nathan Yee (TCK Hooker)
These two hookers will be the key for both teams as they look to establish dominance this Saturday. Azmir did not start earlier in the season but he has made the most out of the opportunity given. His predecessor Hamza Rizah hasn’t been too bad but perhaps the last lineout throw against S. Thomas’s was a worry for the coaching camp, who decided to leave him on the bench. Fajudeen was excellent in the first leg scoring two tries and maintained great consistency with his throws and fit into the boots of Supun Warnakulasuiya in the driving maul.
Will Nathan Yee start for the Lions? This still hangs in the balance after his poor lineout throws at Reid Avenue, but this guy is very versatile in broken play, good with offloads, support play and also in defense, aspects in which he has the upper hand over his opposite number. The Trinity forwards have been too passive; they need to counter the Royal pack a bit more, especially the guys in the front row.
Nikhila Gunadeera (RC No8) v Rahul Karunathilake (TCK lock)
Royal Captain Nikhila had a great 1st leg, he was controlling the scrum so well and also made some fine breaks to gain yards. He needs to continue marshalling his troops. His decision making will play a pivotal role in Royal’s performance.
Rahul will be extremely disappointed he missed the 1st leg of such an important encounter. It will be interesting to see how Coach Sean Wijesinghe will use him to counter the Royal lineouts. At 6.2ft tall he could mount pressure both in attacking and defensive lineouts. The Skipper needs to have his thinking cap on not just in the lineouts but in all passages of play.
Ashok Wijekumar (RC scrum half) v Sanushka Abeywickrama (TCK full back)
Without a doubt Ashok is by far the best player in the Gold & Blue shirt this season. He has played as an outside half, center and even as full back. He is such a good utility player but he is at his best in the No.9 jersey. Ashok is a master in managing the game, knowing how and when to kill time when his team is in the lead.
Sanushka Abeywickrama has created some sparks for the Lions with his dazzling steps and pace. Trinity needs him to get the ball more often than not. His combination with Dange on the wing is so threatening and they have very good awareness when it comes to attacking the opposition.
One other thing to keep in mind is that rugby is not only won by tries but also by kicks. Therefore, the two kickers Lashane (TCK) and Askey (RC) will have to make all their kicks count not only when going for the uprights but also with their territorial kicking.
Trinity went into the first leg without the skipper and now they will be sans Coach Miller for the 2nd leg, will it matter? We’ll know by 5.45 this Saturday. Coach Sanath Martis and Dushanth Lewke are unlikely to make many changes except perhaps in the defensive line of the backs as they need to be solid.
The weather will play a big role but it won’t really matter for Royal as they are capable of mauling in any condition, but if the heavens do open, it will certainly be a worry for Trinity.
