After a hard fought and physical 27-16 win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, the New Zealand Under 85kg team has traveled inland to Kandy for the second and final match of their tour. The match at Nittawela Stadium will once again attract a big crowd, in one of the most unique settings for rugby anywhere in the world.
After the battle in Colombo, which saw the Sri Lankan Tuskers take a deserved early lead, NZ coach Ben Sinnamon has rung the changes for Sunday’s return match. Matt Treeby, who came off the bench to score a decisive try in Colombo, earns a start at hooker. Tom Rowland joins him at prop alongside debutant Oliver Dunn-Parrant.
Jack Laity returns at lock alongside another new face, Billy Sloan, to make up an all new tight five. Sunia Vosikata has been rewarded for his excellent shift off the bench last weekend with a start in the loose forwards, joining the highly rated Josh Evans and
In the backs, two players who joined the squad this week have been rushed straight into the starting team. Jackson Ephraims and Francis Morrison are both veterans of last year’s tour and go in at halfback and fullback respectively, while the combination inside them remains the only continuous part of the team. Jarred Percival captains the side from first five, while Mafea Taiulu Feso and Campbell Busby pair up in the midfield.
Pieter Swarts and Ben Kelt retain their starting spots, with Kelt shifting to the wing.
The bench has been loaded up with experience, a number of players who started last week will be injected into the game after halftime.
It’s that area that was crucial last weekend, as the New Zealand side not only overcame a strong effort from Sri Lanka, but also a yellow card to Pasi Asiata in the 55th minute.
“We’re expecting more of the same from Sri Lanka,” said Sinnamon at the team’s training at Trinity College.
“The message we’ve had all week is to be present and stay focused, because we’re confident in our gameplan and the talent we’ve got in the team that’s been put together.”
The team was also boosted this week by a visit from former All Black captain Kieran Read. The two-time World Cup winner is a big fan of Under 85kg rugby, saying that “just looking at the players you don’t know who is a prop and who is a winger.”
“It’s a great grade for keeping guys playing and involved in the game and now they have an opportunity to wear the black jersey. My advice to them is to enjoy it, and think about everyone back home they’re representing.”
New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka, Game 2
Kick-off: 10:30pm, Sunday 4 April (NZT)
Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy
Watch LIVE on NZR+ HERE
New Zealand Under 85kg team to face Sri Lanka, game two:
1. Tom Rowland, 2. Matt Treeby, 3. Oliver Dunn-Parrant, 4. Jack Laity, 5. Billy Sloan, 6. Josh Evans, 7. Josh Gellert, 8. Sunia Vosikata, 9. Jackson Ephraims, 10. Jarred Percival, 11. Ben Kelt, 12. Maifea Taiulu Feso, 13. Campbell Busby, 14. Pieter Swarts, 15. Francis Morrison
Bench: 16. Callum Nimmo, 17. Frazer Harrison, 18. Jeandre du Toit, 19. Bailey Clark, 20. Josh Purdon, 21. Ned Milne, 22. Adam Preston, 23. Chad Crenfeldt-Smith
