A forwards battle is likely to take place when Isipathana College lock horns with St. Joseph’s College in the final of the inter-school knock out rugby tournament at the Royal College Sports Complex ground today.
The forte of both teams has been their power-packed forwards. The Isipathana ‘eight’ are expected to give a terrific display in the loose and secure good ball position and if they deliver and get their act together to proceed with the rolling maul then they would be in with a good chance.
However they face a huge challenge from the Joes forwards who are equally hard nuts to crack while the line-out ball is likely to be shared by both teams.
Isipathana’s new halves combination with play-maker cum fly half Naveen Kanishka playing together for the first time this season could also be a key factor the Joes will have to contend with.
The Joes too have a highly talented fly half in Dilhara Subash who will pair off with his new scrum half.
According to a team official, Isipathana have done their homework and know where the strength of the Joes is most threatening in their quest to finish the season with a Double having already pocketed the League title.
But according to team source of St. Joseph’s College, they too have done their homework on Isipathana and are confident of making a match of today’s final.