The fighting Sri Lanka Tuskers produced a spirited display but went down 32-6 against a powerful New Zealand Under-85kg team in the second and final rugby match played before a packed crowd at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo last night.
It was a historic series for the Sri Lankans, who faced the visitors in two matches for the first time. Despite losing 50-10 in the opening game, the Tuskers came back strongly in the second game, giving the visitors a much tougher fight.
New Zealand made an early breakthrough in the 14th minute when Skipper and fly half Jarred Percival darted past the defence on the left wing to score an unconverted try near the posts for a 5-0 lead.
Percival struck again seven minutes later with a similar move down the left flank, touching down for his second unconverted try to make it 10-0.
Sri Lanka responded in the 24th minute when returning fly half Tarinda Ratwatte slotted a 25-metre penalty to get the home side on the board at 3-10. The home fans roared with hope as the Tuskers made a few strong attacking moves, but missed out on converting them into points.
New Zealand extended their lead in the 32nd minute through left winger Pieter Swarts, who touched down near the left corner. This time Percival added the extra points to take the score to 17-3.
The Tuskers fought bravely for the rest of the half, defending with great heart and making several powerful runs. At the break, the visitors led 17-3.
After resumption, Ratwatte added his second penalty in the 54th minute to narrow the gap to 6-17. But the New Zealanders quickly replied when Eamon Reily converted a penalty to stretch their lead to 20-6 in the 59th minute.
Two more tries followed from flanker Josh Gellert and fullback Francis Morrions, with Reily converting one, sealing a 32-6 win for the visitors.
Though the Tuskers remained tryless, they earned the admiration of the home crowd with their never-say-die attitude and improved defensive play.
Referee: Jaco de Witt.
Sri Lanka flanker Nizran Nillar is tackled by a New Zealand defender (Pix by Hirantha Gunathilaka)
