After a successful debut tour in 2025, the New Zealand Under 85kg rugby team returned to Sri Lanka for a second two-match series against the Sri Lankan Tuskers, attracting passionate crowds in both Colombo and Kandy. This time, however, the hosts delivered a far tougher challenge, pushing the visitors to their limits in one of the most dramatic matches in the short history of the Sir Graham Henry Trophy.
New Zealand eventually survived the fierce Kandy test, overcoming five yellow cards and relentless Sri Lankan pressure to secure a gripping 25-10 victory at Nittawela Stadium and complete a 2-0 sweep of the 2026 series.
Five Yellow Cards and Relentless Tuskers Pressure
The atmosphere in Kandy was electric long before kickoff. Thousands of Sri Lankan supporters packed Nittawela Stadium waving flags, beating drums and chanting as the Tuskers attempted to bounce back after their opening defeat in Colombo.
Sri Lanka exploded into the match with intensity and purpose. Inside the opening minutes, the hosts earned a penalty try after a powerful rolling maul collapsed over the New Zealand line. The incident also sent New Zealand debutant Oli Dunn-Parrant to the sin bin, reducing the visitors to 14 men almost immediately.
The stadium erupted as Sri Lanka took an early 7-0 lead.
For a brief moment, it felt as though a famous upset was possible.
New Zealand Respond Under Pressure
Despite the chaotic start, the New Zealanders slowly regained control through disciplined phase play and strong work at the breakdown.
Lock Jack Laity powered over for the visitors’ opening try after sustained pressure close to the Sri Lankan line, calming the tourists after the early storm. First-five Jarred Percival then added two penalties to edge New Zealand into a narrow 13-7 halftime lead.
Yet the scoreboard failed to capture the brutality of the contest.
Every collision carried intensity. Every scrum became a battle for dominance. Sri Lanka’s forwards matched the visitors physically and repeatedly tested the New Zealand defence with aggressive carries and strong set-piece play.
Chaos Unfolds in the Second Half
The second half delivered even more drama.
Prop Tom Rowland extended New Zealand’s lead shortly after halftime with a powerful try from close range, giving the visitors breathing space at 18-7. But moments later, the match descended into chaos as yellow cards began to pile up.
Jarred Percival and Sri Lankan forward Lahiru Thilakaratne were both sent to the sin bin following a heated confrontation at the breakdown. With Percival temporarily off the field, winger Pieter Swarts was forced into the unfamiliar first-five role as New Zealand scrambled to reorganise.
Sri Lanka sensed an opportunity.
Thenunka Nanayakara narrowed the gap with a penalty, and suddenly the momentum shifted back toward the Tuskers as the Kandy crowd roared their side forward.
Francis Morrison Produces the Moment of the Tour
Just as Sri Lanka threatened to seize control, New Zealand produced a moment of brilliance.
Replacement back Francis Morrison received a wide cut-out pass near halfway and exploded through the Sri Lankan defensive line in a breathtaking solo run. Stepping, accelerating and weaving through defenders, Morrison reportedly beat nine tacklers before diving over beside the posts.
Down to 13 Men but Still Standing
The drama was still not over.
Frazer Harrison and Chad Crenfeldt-Smith were both yellow-carded during the closing stages, with Crenfeldt-Smith later receiving a second yellow card after a high tackle shortly after returning to the field. At one stage, New Zealand were defending with only 13 players on the park.
Sri Lanka dominated possession and territory during the final minutes as the crowd sensed a possible comeback. The noise inside Nittawela Stadium became deafening with every attacking phase.
When the final whistle finally sounded, exhausted New Zealand players collapsed to the ground in relief.
Sri Lanka Earns Growing Respect
Although New Zealand completed a 2-0 series victory, Sri Lanka emerged with enormous credit.
The Tuskers showed major improvement compared with the inaugural 2025 series, matching the New Zealanders physically and tactically for long stretches across both Tests. Their forward pack caused serious problems throughout the tour, while the intensity of their defence rattled the visitors repeatedly.
It also highlights the unique appeal of New Zealand’s Under 85kg rugby culture, a fast, skill-based version of the game built on endurance, creativity and toughness rather than sheer size.
How to Watch the Highlights in New Zealand
New Zealand fans can watch full highlights, interviews and match coverage through the All Blacks Official Website and the All Blacks YouTube Channel.
Sri Lankan sports platform ThePapare.com also continues to provide extended match analysis, crowd coverage and behind-the-scenes content from the tour.
Buddi Matharaarachchi – Auckland
