14 Friday 19th August, 2011

Swot up on your Rugby opponents should best counter- gold at the Olympics for Great released onto the terrain. World Cup trivia as Ian Gilbert act the psychological stirrings of Britain, they play God Save continues his series with the the haka, ranging from indiffer- the Queen, so when Scotland What about individual lowdown on pre-match rituals. ence (Australia’s compete at rugby, why do they beliefs and superstitions? would continue with his warm- sing Flower of Scotland? Michael Jones, the New What’s the history of the up) to upfront hostility (during God Save the Queen is the Zealand flanker who starred in All Blacks’ haka? New Zealand’s 1989 tour match national anthem for the United the 1987 and 1991 campaigns, here are few more electri- against Ireland, Willie Anderson Kingdom – England, Scotland, refused to play on Sundays due to fying sights (and sounds) advanced on the New Zealand Wales and Northern Ireland. So, his religious faith. Other players Tin sport than the haka. formation to finish nose-to-nose when those countries compete have had slightly more secular Just before kick-off, as New with Shelford). under the GB banner it’s one beliefs. Australian legend David Zealand deliver their challenge Shontayne Hape, England’s anthem for all; when playing Campese always insisted on run- to the opposition, the stadium Maori-descent centre who has rugby, they assume their individ- ning out last. England’s Jonny crackles with excitement. also played rugby league for New ual rallying cry. The Welsh have Wilkinson never warms up in his Strictly, a haka is the generic Zealand, told London’s Daily Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of England shirt – though he prefers name for a Maori dance, of Telegraph before playing against My Fathers), the Scots Flower of to call this part of his routine which the All Blacks’ pre-match rather than a superstition. display is just one (two, if you consider they sometimes use the And number 13 – lucky for All Blacks-specific Kapa o Pango some? - first performed in 2005 - as well Will Greenwood’s superstition as the more traditional Ka Mate, was something of a reverse ritu- Ka Mate). al. England’s inside centre in the The call to arms is taken from 2003 Final victory over Australia a traditional dance used to pre- preferred to wear the 13 shirt, pare warriors for battle. First despite playing inside Mike performed on the New Zealand Tindall. However, his compatriot Native Team’s 1888/89 tour of Jeremy Guscott played in the Britain, it was generally used 1991, 1995 and 1999 tournaments only while on tour, but at the as outside centre but wore the 12 inaugural Rugby World Cup in shirt. 1987 it became a fixture before every Test. was one of the most passionate exponents of the haka Food for thought Which haka to use, and who Jonah Lomu, the New Zealand leads it, is decided by the team wing who made mincemeat of before each Test. One of the most opposition defences in 1995 and passionate exponents was Wayne 1999, had a pre-match meal that ‘Buck’ Shelford who, when he was as much about sustenance as assumed the captaincy just after superstition: mashed potatoes, the RWC 1987, took his team- RUGBY WORLD CUP - spaghetti and six egg whites. mates to a Maori school to see the students perform a tradition- Now for Wales. Who or al haka. what is ‘hwyl’, and is it their 16th man? Doesn’t it give the All FROM HAKAS TO HWYL The Welsh refer to the emotion Blacks an unfair advantage? of “hwyl” - roughly translated as New Zealanders would argue patriotic fervour, and pronounced it’s every bit as much their her- the country of his birth last Scotland, while Ireland, compet- song such as Jerusalem, which is mal rights stunt, though it might ‘hoyle’. The Welsh fans maintain itage as the national anthem year: “I have done it [the haka] ing as a united side, will sing used at the Commonwealth cause stadium security staff a the country’s strong musical tra- (God Defend New Zealand, which before but if I give any advice to Ireland’s Call (for Dublin games Games. few headaches. French fans have dition. When the first strains of is also performed). Samoa, Tonga my team-mates it will be to stand the Republic’s anthem, The traditionally tried to smuggle a Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau float across and Fiji also have pre-match tall, stare them back in the eyes Soldier’s Song, is also sung). Should I be worried if I see cockerel into grounds and when the stadia of the North Island, dances – the manu siva tau, and let them know we will accept England stick with God Save the a Frenchman with a cockerel les Tricolores get their noses in expect the travelling support to kailao and the cibi respectively. the challenge.” Queen, though there has been stuffed in his bag? front, that’s when le coq sticks be in good voice. Opinions differ as to how If a Scottish athlete wins debate about using a dedicated Don’t worry – it’s not an ani- his beak in, being surreptitiously (www.irb.com)

MCA retain Tyronne de Silva Challenge Trophy Portugal to meet Brazil in U20 WCup final MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) — Portugal will meet Brazil in an Under-20 World Cup final which will feature the tournament’s best defensive team against its most potent attacking combination. Portugal defeated France 2-0 on The MCA ‘Centenary Year 2011’, 8th annual cricket encounter, Wednesday in Medellin with its stout between MCA Committee and Lanka Cavaliers, contested for the defence and goalkeeper Mika registering Portugal soccer players pose for pictures before a U-20 World Cup semi-final soccer ‘Tyronne de Silva Challenge Trophy’ was played at the MCA grounds, their sixth straight clean sheet in the tour- match against France in Medellin, Colombia, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Portugal won 2-0 recently. The MCA Committee regained the trophy, winning by four nament. and qualified for the final. Top row, from left, Portugal’s goalkeeper Mika, Roderick, Pele, wickets, thus taking the lead in the series 4-3, with one encounter In the other semi-final, Henrique scored Nelson Oliveira, Danilo, Nuno Reis. Bottom row, from left, Cedric, Sergio Oliveira, Julio ending in a tie. The winning captain of MCA Committee, Mahesh twice in the last 10 minutes to lift Brazil to a Alves, Mario Rui, Alex. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) Wijewardene (L) received the trophy by the donor and chief guest, 2-0 victory over Mexico in Pereira. Henrique former MCA President, Tyronne de Silva (R). has five goals and shares the tournament scoring lead with Alvaro Vazquez of Spain. Brazil has scored a tournament-best 15 Inter-Schools U-15 Badminton C’ship goals so far. Philippe Coutinho and Dudu have three each. Holy Cross Super A Div. runners-up Henrique scored with a header in the Holy Cross College, Gampaha, and held at the Welagedara 80th minute and then slotted home an 8-yard emerged Super A Division run- Indoor Stadium, Kurunegala. shot from a cross for an insurance goal. ners-up at the All-Island Inter Holy Cross College beat Brazil will be chasing its fifth U-20 title Schools Under-15 Badminton Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika and Portugal will be after its third when the Double Team Championship 2011, Vidyalaya Colombo and teams clash in Colombia’s capital of Bogota. conducted by the Sri Lanka Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Brazil lost the final two years ago to Ghana Schools Badminton Association Galle. in Egypt Saturday’s game will come 20 years after the previous Under-20 final between former colony and coloniser, which Portugal won on penalties with a team that boasted Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto. In the first semi-final, Danilo gave Portugal a 1-0 lead with a leaping header in Brazil’s players pose for pictures before a U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match against the 9th minute, and Nelson Oliveira made it Mexico in Pereira, Colombia, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. Top row, from left, Gabriel, Willian, 2-0 with a penalty in the 40th. France was in Juan, Danilo, Bruno Uvini and Casemiro. Bottom row, from left, Fernando, Philippe Coutinho, the U-20 semifinals for the first time. Gabriel Silva, Oscar and Henrique. Brazil won 2-0. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Deans refuses to explain League champs Royal pull out Giteau omission from knockout tournament The winning team: SYDNEY (AP) — Australia month in New Zealand, an BY CHATHURA PINNAWALA ers and the exams hampered our coach Robbie Deans refused to announcement foreshadowed by plans. So, ultimately there was Seated from left to right: Sandunika Petronilda (Captain), Rev. Sr. Mary explain his reasons for omitting Giteau’s thinly veiled Twitter The Schools Under-20 no avenue for us to take other Deepani (Principal), Mahesha Ekanayake (Coach) and Tharushi Ishara Wallabies veteran post Wednesday when he hinted President’s trophy knockout than to pull out. One of the boys Pathirana (V. Capt). Standing first row from left to right: Dilushi from his 30-man rugby World at his imminent axing. tournament which commences underwent surgery today and Wickramasinghe and Salini Rukshani Dias. Standing second row from Cup squad Thursday. Deans denied there was any on September 16, will be devoid some sitting for their A/Ls this left to right: Dakshina Nishani Rajarathna, Hansani Lakmini Giteau, 28, made way for fly- friction between he and 92-test of this year’s league champions, year have informed us that they Jayasinghe, Pavani Navodya, Nei Ishara Usoof, Anuki Viveka, Januli half as backup veteran Giteau, but would not Royal College, as they have with- wish to give priority to their Jayasekara, Manisha Dilakshi and Nirmeline Wijeyathunga. for in the squad explain his reasons for dropping drawn citing player non-avail- studies. for the World Cup starting next him. ability as the reason. “If the knockouts commenced “I don’t want to go into specif- For a tournament which is just after the league ended then ic details,” he said. “It’s tough it would have been possible, but enough for him to swallow with- trying to blossom and regain its IBF orders rematch of Mares’ win over Agbeko out picking over that as well.” lost glory, it’s not the ideal thing, as we all know, it’s not as easy as Deans said he broke the news but as Royal Rugby Master-in- it sounds for the SLSRFA (Sri LAS VEGAS (AP) — The unpenalised by referee Russell rematch in the next four to Giteau on Wednesday, shortly Charge, Anura Wanigasinghe Lanka Schools Rugby Football International Boxing Federation Mora. months. Mares will be stripped after arriving back in Australia points out, two players going Association) as they had go has ordered a rematch of Abner The order by IBF president of his title if he declines the from the Wallabies’ Tri-Nations under the knife, A/L exams and through many obstacles even to Mares’ bantamweight title victo- Daryl J. Peoples claims that rematch, and Agbeko would tour of South Africa. other study related matters are conduct the league,” he added. ry over Joseph Agbeko. “inappropriate conduct by the fight another challenger. “I wanted to be able to talk to the grounds behind the reason “To be frank, I don’t think it Mares won a narrow majori- referee affected the outcome of Mares’ manager, Frank him face to face,” Deans said. “I for non-participation. would have been fair for a presti-