New Zealand Under-85kg Team Triumphs in Sri Lanka Tour

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, presenting the award to Jared Percival, Captain of New Zealand U85kg Rugby.

The New Zealand Under-85kg team completed their maiden international tour with a convincing 32-6 victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Colombo's Racecourse Ground. Playing under scorching conditions, the Small Blacks claimed the Sir Graham Henry Trophy with an aggregate score of 82-16 across both matches.

The two-match series, sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, was a roaring success, with full houses gracing both games played in Nittawela and Colombo.

The visitors displayed a different approach from their 50-10 win at Nittawela last Sunday, focusing on fast-paced play when in possession. Despite the Tuskers' solid defensive efforts, New Zealand scored five tries, two conversions, and a penalty while Sri Lanka managed only two penalties through fly-half Tarinda Ratwatte.

"What a great performance, both teams played outstandingly," said Player of the Match Ben Megson. "Sri Lanka keeps growing and has so much potential."

New Zealand dominated early, with skipper Jarred Percival scoring two unconverted tries in the 11th and 21st minutes, showcasing excellent back division coordination and timely offloads. Ratwatte, returning from injury in place of captain Nigel Ratwatte, put over a long-range penalty in the 23rd minute to get Sri Lanka on the scoreboard.

Winger Pieter Swarts extended New Zealand's lead with a try before half-time, converted by Percival for a 17-3 lead. Although Ratwatte added another penalty in the 54th minute, the Small Blacks maintained control, with replacement fly-half Eamon Reily adding a penalty and converting flanker Tosh Gellert’s try. Player of the Series Francis Morrison sealed the victory with the final try in the 70th minute.

The experience gained will be valuable for the Tuskers ahead of the upcoming Asian Men's Championship, where they will face Hong Kong, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout the series, New Zealand demonstrated their superiority with a total of thirteen tries, seven conversions, and a penalty, while conceding only one converted try and three penalties across both Tests.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball, Netball, and Esports teams. Dialog is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic Sports by powering the National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games. Further, in line with its commitment towards empowering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the President's Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball Tournaments, and School Rugby.