The NZ U85kg side have achieved a historic clean sweep of their two-match tour to Sri Lanka, beating the hosts 32-6 in Colombo.
The match was played in front of an estimated 25,000 spectators at the Racecourse Stadium, the second big crowd in a week to watch the first New Zealand representative rugby side to visit the country in 70 years.
After last weekend's 50-10 win for the NZ U85s in Kandy, the Sri Lankan Tuskers were expected to field a more experienced line up for the return match. Several players who took the field against Malaysia a fortnight ago were rested, something vice-captain Josh Gellert said they'd factored into their preparation.
Josh Gellert in action for the NZ U85kg side. Photo: Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
"We've identified the changes in their team," said the openside flanker. "A big thing for us is being connected throughout the group, making sure everyone's confident.
"A big thing for us is proving to the guy next to you why you got picked, so I think that message will be to keep that defensive structure pretty firm."
The game was tight through the opening 10 minutes, but the NZ U85s broke things open with some clever kicking. Outstanding fullback Francis Morrison collected a chip from wing Pieter Swarts, and flicked the ball on for captain and first five Jarred Percival to score.
Swarts was in the action again not long after, linking with Ben Megson to send Percival over for his second. The Tuskers hit back with a penalty goal to Tharinda Ratwatte, but Swarts got in on the scoring action himself, with a well taken try in the corner.
The NZ U85kg side celebrate with the Sir Graham Henry Trophy. Photo: Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
Percival converted from wide out to make the score 17-3 at the break.
The Tuskers had their best period of the game early in the second half, with Ratwatte slotting another penalty, but that was the last time they'd trouble the scoreboard. Gellert was too strong close to the line and powered over, followed by another perfectly weighted kick that set up Morrison to score the final try of the game.
"We knew we were going to be up for a battle," said Percival after lifting the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, named after the World Cup-winning coach and team patron.
Jared Percival lifts the Sir Graham Henry Trophy. Photo: Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
"We scored some awesome tries, played brilliantly and opened them up in the second half. The fans were amazing, they cheered for us… it's an atmosphere we've never experienced back home."
Once again, the U85s had to contend with 30-degree heat, despite the game kicking off at 6pm local time. Several players, including Percival, were forced from the field with heat exhaustion.
"I think I was in the ice bath for about 15 minutes, before I could even go join the boys on the sideline again. I don't think it portrays on TV just how tough the conditions are - it was seriously hot."
Pasia Asiata in action for the NZ U85kg. Photo: Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
The team now return to the New Zealand club season, after their fortnight of being superstars in Sri Lanka. This week, they have been engaged in some official functions involving the NZ High Commission and travelling patron Sir Graham Henry, as well as visiting a local biscuit firm that's sponsoring the tour.
Gellert, who usually spends his weekends playing for the Auckland University Slug Collectors club side in front of crowds of mostly partners and friends, said it was an incredible experience.
NZ U85kg show their appreciation to the Sri Lankan hosts. Photo: Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
"People are coming up to us on the streets, asking for photos and autographs," he said. "It's something that will probably never feel normal for this group of boys.
"We were warned about how much Sri Lanka love rugby, but I don't think anything could have prepared for what it's truly like. As soon as we got off the plane, we were getting interviewed, but we love it.
"We're the club battlers, so we're stoked at having the limelight."
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