Delhi Hurricanes looking for the dis-arming charm

The challenge is considerably more stiffer for the semi-final debutantes Delhi Hurricanes,a team from the capital that would consider this its biggest achievement at the national-level. Though,their best might not be enough to stop the rampaging Army Greens — whose forwards is one of Indian sport’s most intimidating force. “We’ll need to rely on our backs’ game because we can’t match the army’s forwards in size or game sense. Hence,we’ll be dependent on a dry field and no slush,” says Delhi captain Gautam Dagar,who wants his fleet-footed backs to out-run their opponents,clear favourites in the encounter.

Rains visit the coastal city every afternoon,and the relentless slush might not aid the boys from the capital who gained access to their own rugby field at Vasant Kunj only a week before the start of the nationals. “We’re not used to playing on wet pitches,we need a dry field to give our backs a free run,” Dagar rues.

With injuries hitting at their most vulnerable spots — full-back Saurabh won’t take the field — and even front-row Pawan troubled by a niggling ankle,the Hurricanes would rather hope for a sunny day and no stormy rains at all. “I have to back my players’ capability,and it will depend on how we play them that day. But I expect a close match,” Dagar says,a tad too optimistic.

They ran the Army Ambala team (Army’s Third XV in pedigree) close recently,but in his most honest appraisal,Dagar concedes that the margins could be something like a two try-difference,should they get a dry ground and they can tactically avoid the army’s punishing scrum. Much will depend on Gautam,Lee,Pardeep Bisht,Bassnet and Pulkit Bhatt,for a team that has a 5th place to show for its best effort over the years. Delhi,of course,are relatively new to the sport,and share none of Kolkata or Mumbai’s traditions.