All Blacks light up Nittawela in historic tour opener

The mighty haka echoed through the hills of Kandy as New Zealand’s Under-85 kg rugby team, a touring side from the land of the long white cloud, stamped their authority on Sri Lankan soil with a dominant 50–10 win in Nittawela. But the scoreline tells only half the story – this was a watershed moment for Sri Lankan rugby. The clash marked the first leg of a groundbreaking two-match series, the first time a representative New Zealand rugby team has toured Sri Lanka.

With a packed crowd and palpable buzz at Nittawela Stadium, the significance was not lost – this was more than a game; it was a celebration of rugby’s unifying power. New Zealand’s precision, pace, and structure were evident from the kickoff. The visitors rolled through their phases like a well-oiled machine, opening the scoring through No.



8 Pasia Asiata and converting with aplomb. But what followed was more than just a try-fest – it was a masterclass in running rugby, with blistering counterattacks, clinical support lines, and seamless offloads lighting up the hill capital. Sri Lanka, buoyed by home support, did have their moments.

A well-executed rolling maul saw Dahan Wickramarachchi crash over, and veteran Nigel Ratwatte added five points off the tee. But for every local spark, the Kiwis had a storm brewing – Francis Morrison, Jarred Percival, and Eamon Reily led the charge as the men in black ran in tries with ruthless efficiency. For Sri Lanka, the learning curve was steep, but the occasion was priceless.

Hosting a side steeped in All Blacks culture, known for innovation and intensity, offers invaluable exposure and inspiration. This wasn’t just a rugby lesson – it was a statement that Sri Lanka belongs on the global rugby map. As the teams gear up for the second leg, the scoreboard may favour the visitors, but the spotlight is firmly on Sri Lanka’s ambition.

If the Tuskers can take heart and harness the experience, the long-term gain could far outweigh the immediate result. Rugby fans across the island will be hoping this is just the beginning of more global giants setting foot on Sri Lankan turf. by Carlos Van de Berg.