Last week’s game against Navy is just what we needed leading into what is going to be a tough match against Army. We will be better served having played a fast and close match rather than having played a match that was won by a cricket score. To add to the mix we will be playing away again and the victory we are seeking is all the more important our success this year. I was happy with the team’s performance last week but there were problem areas that need addressing prior to fronting up at Galle Face on Friday evening. Our set play was solid with scrums working well and the lineouts the same. Our defence held strong and as I stated in the preview to the Navy match I am confident that our defence will be a major feature of our success this year.

However our support play and phase attack were basic and did not challenge the opposition breakdown defence. Our positioning during patterns was not as good as I thought it would be and we have taken steps to remedy this problem prior to the Army match. Most of the players attended the game at Galle Face last Sunday to see the opposition in action and the Army side are strong up front and have a dangerous center and fullback so we will have to implement a defensive pattern to negate the zippy centers. We have been doing some continuity work this week especially focusing on clearing the tackle zone quickly so Army can’t play the game they like and play a forwards game so we will have to play it fast and get the ball wider.

We have made a few changes to the team for this weeks match and have enlisted the support of some hardened veterans to add some strength and toughness to the squad. It will be physical and there will most likely be some fast paced rugby played so with this in mind our team will be equipped to play accordingly. Special mention has to go the B’s players last week who started the game v Navy B with only 13 men and eventually ended the game with only 11. The commendations are due to the fact that it was nil all at half time and at the final whistle the scoreboard read 19-5, a gallant effort and by all accounts the players had an enjoyable game too.

I am looking forward to the game and am confident that we will do well and our goal is to get through the first 3 matches with 2 wins away and a win at home. It will be a tough match as history has shown and it will be a true challenge for the players to stay focused on our game plan and handle the pressure of a big game early in the season. We would like to thank our CR supporters who made the journey to Welisara last Friday night and look forward to your support this Friday at Army.