KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s rugby team faces a critical showdown against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asia Rugby Championship, with their premier division status hanging by a thread.
The pivotal match, set to take place at the Sevens Stadium on June 21, demands that Malaysia score more than four tries to secure their place in the prestigious division.
Having been part of the division since 2018, Malaysia has encountered a series of daunting challenges this season.
Heavy defeats to South Korea (5-55) and Hong Kong (6-70) have left the team in a perilous position.
In contrast, the UAE has shown commendable resilience, rebounding from a significant loss to Hong Kong (5-52) to achieve a surprising victory over South Korea (36-32).
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia’s squad captain, Mohamad Nasharuddin, acknowledged the gravity of the upcoming match.
“It’s a do-or-die mission for us, based on our analysis, the best way for Malaysia to earn points is through our backline. If we utilise our backline effectively, we can definitely score,” he said when contacted.
The challenge is formidable, especially given UAE’s strengthened lineup, which includes three Fijian players who have proven to be game-changers.
“The UAE has three Fijian players who disrupted Korea’s defence significantly. We expect them to leverage these players as much as possible,” Nasharuddin explained.
“We need to adapt and be prepared for a fast-paced game under floodlights.”
Scoring more than four tries is not just a strategic aim but a necessity for Malaysia.
This tall order looms large, especially considering Malaysia’s recent performance against Hong Kong, where they failed to score a single try.
“The team has been intensifying their night training sessions to adapt to the match conditions,” Nasharuddin added.
As the match day approaches, the stakes for Malaysia could not be higher.
Their ability to counter the UAE’s strengths while capitalising on their own backline’s potential will be crucial.
The question now is whether Malaysia can rise to the occasion, deliver the necessary tries, and maintain their status in the premier division. — June 18, 2024