The local press demanded a better display than the 50-10 defeat in Kandy. One newspaper forewarned. “The pressure is now immense, not just on the players, but on the selectors as well. The fans demand accountability, and nothing short of a strong performance in the next match will suffice.”
Despite improvement, the grumpy media are unlikely to be appeased with New Zealand more stoic and polished.
The starting front row of Tom Rowland, Callum Nimmo and Jeandre Du Toit applied the blowtorch on their heavier opposites in the scrum. Though the lineout malfunctioned, the back row refused to yield, with first-game standouts Josh Gellert and Pasia Asiata thriving again. Second-five Ben Megson was named man-of-the-match for his smothering defence and purposeful attack. Fullback Francis Morrison was subdued compared to Kandy but still scored a second-half try and threatened often enough.
Jarred Percival scored the first two tries. Twice the captain cross-kicked for winger Peter Swarts to spark sweeping movements that the Christchurch-based first-five finished. Swarts plies his trade for the East Coast Bay Badgers. His try propelled New Zealand into a 17-3 lead.
For ten minutes on either side of halftime, Sri Lanka hogged possession and territory. Hefty loose forwards Tharindu Chathuranga and Lasindu Karunathilake proved a handful, but the Tuskers' backs lacked consistent direction. A 54th-minute penalty kicked by Tharinda Ratwatte almost felt like the waving of a white towel.
Eamon Reily was a strong contributor from the bench, immediately responding to Ratwatte’s success with a goal of his own. Sri Lanka had to be bolder. Errors increased and Gellert pounced. Replacement Shahid Zumri was the most livlety of the Tuskers backs.
The tour has been an undeniable success with huge attendances and willing footy. In 2001, Matthew Treeby visited Sri Lanka with his family to help build facilities for struggling children. More than two decades later the Tawa hooker returned as a New Zealand international.
“It’s pretty crazy here. The friendliness is overwhelming and engaging with the locals is special. We have 20 staff form a cordon to greet us every time we leave the hotel. Police escorts to the ground are something I’ve never experienced before. The food and culture are amazing.”
New Zealand Under 85kg: 32 (Jarred Percival 2, Peter Swarts, Josh Gellert, Francis Morrison tries; Percival con, Eamon Reily pen con) Sri Lanka Tuskers: 6 (Tharinda Ratwatte 2 pens) HT: 17-3