Mika’s men have to prove themselves
WITH better preparation this year, the national squad must now show that they belong in the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) top tier when the tournament begins tomorrow.
The national squad begin their campaign in the three-nation league format competition with an away game against South Korea in Incheon. Defending champions Hong Kong are the third team.
The squad have a new management lineup, as well as a new coach with ex-All Black Brad Mika replacing Lee Nyuk Fah.
Malaysia will enter the competition with an all-time high rank of No 45 following their 31-26 win against Sri Lanka in a Test match earlier this monthm and had also beaten Singapore Selection 33-24 in a friendly last month.
The squad are strengthened by the return of Japan Top League star K. Dinesvaran who missed Malaysia's debut in the top tier last year due to a broken arm.
He has also been made the captain for this year's campaign, and his leadership skill will be crucial.
Last year, Malaysia missed a number of key local and naturalised players for the competition. Malaysia Rugby (MR) have admitted that last season’s tournament was a steep learning curve for both the players, as well as the team's management who had never appeared in such a high level competition before.
And it showed on the pitch as the squad suffered heavy defeats to Hong Kong, going down 67-8 at home and a massive 91-10 loss away.
South Korea outclassed Malaysia 67-12 in Incheon, and also winning 35-10 in Bukit Jalil.
While traditional giants Korea and Hong Kong have much more depth than Malaysia, the national squad should at least target winning one match against them.
Once again, Malaysia's best bet for a win will be against the Koreans and that chance will likely come on May 25 at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Despite finishing last in the tournament last year, Malaysia escaped relegation due to a oneoff change in format. They won't be so lucky this year if they finish last again but it is not all doom and gloom.
The last-placed team this year will face the Division One champions in a relegation-cum-promotion playoff. Losing against the Division One team would mean relegation while a win means staying in the top tier.
The Division One tournament which comprises Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Singapore will be held in a knockout format at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on May 29-June 1.
FIXTURES — May 18: Malaysia v South Korea (Namdong Asiad Stadium, Incheon); May 25: Malaysia v South Korea (National Stadium Bukit Jalil); June 8: South Korea v Hong Kong (Namdong Asiad Stadium, Incheon); June 15: Malaysia v Hong Kong (Hong Kong Football Club); June 22: Malaysia v Hong Kong (National Stadium Bukit Jalil);
June 29: Hong Kong v South Korea (Hong Kong Football Club). Fadhli Ishak