Aussie with Sri Lankan roots helps Australia stun South Africa in thriller
By Easwaran Rutnam in Adelaide
Aden Ekanayake, an Australian teen with Sri Lankan roots, scored a try in overtime to snatch victory for hosts Australia over South Africa in the Perth Sevens cup semi-finals on Sunday.
The crowds went wild and the TV presenters shouted out Ekanayake’s name as he scored the winning try in the thriller.
The Aussies have now booked a date with Argentina in the final.
After falling to Argentina 31-26 in a golden point thriller to start their campaign, Australia were pipped by South Africa 10-7 in pool play before beating the USA 19-12. That was enough to see the men in gold through to the Cup quarter-finals – much to the delight of the home crowd.
Just as it had been in pool play, this match was thrilling, tense and tight. James Turner opened the scoring for the Aussies early on before 2024 Dream Team member Selvyn Davids hit back with an effort one minute later.
Maurice Longbottom had a chance to win it for Australia with the final play of the game after referee George Selwood pinned South Africa for an infringement at the breakdown. The playmaker lined up the shot at goal from a tough spot but failed to convert that attempt as well.
The game went into extra-time and Aden Ekanayake scored to ensure the Aussies had control of the remainder of the match.
In the end, it was that man again – Ekanayake – who once again made a game-changing play. The Australia U20 15s representative sliced through the defensive line to score the winner, and the crowd let out a deafening cheer of euphoria in reply.
Australia will take on Argentina to determine who is crowned the men’s champions at SVNS Perth.
(This story has been edited by Daily Mirror Australian edition from the original story which appeared on Rugby pass)
Aden Ekanayake, an Australian teen with Sri Lankan roots, scored a try in overtime to snatch victory for hosts Australia over South Africa in the Perth Sevens cup semi-finals on Sunday.@SVNSSeries #Rugby #Australia #Srilanka pic.twitter.com/oGDBF7sp0D
— Easwaran Christian Rutnam (@easwaranrutnam) January 26, 2025