Dinesvaran shifts pressure to Hong Kong, South Korea
NATIONAL captain K. Dinesvaran has deflected pressure away from his squad and insists that Hong Kong and South Korea are the ones who should be worried ahead of the Asia Rugby Championships (ARC), which kicks off next week.
The national 15s team will, for the second season in a row, compete in the top tier of the ARC competition which will be held in a home-and-away league format.
Malaysia are the clear underdogs in the tournament, having lost all their matches last season against Hong Kong and Korea.
Japan-based Dinesvaran believes Malaysia has little to lose against both higher-ranked nations.
“If you want to talk about pressure, Korea and Hong Kong are the ones under pressure because they definitely do not want to lose against the underdogs,” said Dinesvaran.
“We are clearly the underdogs and we have nothing to lose but have a lot to gain.
“Our goal is clear, which is to beat either Korea or Hong Kong and I believe if we are able to work on improving ourselves in the lead up to the tournament, we will be able to do well.”
Dinesvaran, who played a key role in helping the team secure a historic promotion to the top flight in 2017, missed Malaysia's debut in the top-tier last year due to a broken right forearm.
The Hino Red Dolphins player is eager to pull on the national jersey in a major competition once again.
“I always feel lucky and grateful to God for every opportunity I get to play for the national team,” added Dinesvaran.
“This year, I have been given added responsibility as I have been made team captain. Coming back from an injury and leading the team is a big task.
“Being team captain is not about ordering people around, I want to show the boys how to work hard and be the best team we can.”
Dinesvaran continues to play with his right forearmed wrapped to protect a plate and screws which were inserted when he suffered the injury. He disclosed that the hardware can be removed next year.
They did well to defeat Sri Lanka 31-26 in a Test match recently which has seen the national team rise to an all-time high of No 45 in the world rankings.
Malaysia will open their ARC campaign with an away match against South Korea in Incheon on May 18.
The team avoided relegation last year despite finishing last among the three nations due to a change in format. This year the team that finishes last in the top tier will have to play the ARC Division One winner in a playoff to determine relegation or promotion.