SINGAPORE — The goal for Singapore at the upcoming Asian Rugby Under-19 Championship is a simple one: Record a win in their opening match against Sri Lanka tomorrow, and then try to build on that result in their remaining two matches against Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.

Victory over Sri Lanka will almost ensure the newly-promoted hosts their place in the top division because the side that finishes last in the four-country tournament will be relegated. The winner of the competition will go on to compete at the second-tier World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Zimbabwe in April.

While newly-promoted Singapore are considered the “weakest” side in the tournament, Singapore U-19 head coach Hadizan Jaaman is optimistic his charges can upset the odds at the Championship.

“We have nothing to lose since we are the newly-promoted team,” Hadizan told TODAY. “My ultimate goal is for the boys to stay in this top division, and I can tell they are very excited to go head on against Asia’s rugby powerhouses.

“The fact that we’re underdogs may instead motivate us to play without pressure and put in our best effort. Hopefully like how Japan performed against South Africa at the World Cup (recording a shock 34-32 win), we can pull (out) a few surprises at this tournament.”

Winger Bronson Ro, who was part of the national Sevens team that played in last month’s ARFU Men’s Championships, added: “My personal goal is to give the opponents a run for their money.

“We are prepared, and I am confident that my team-mates and I will put on a good show because we will give everything we have for this upcoming championship.”

After taking on Sri Lanka, Singapore will then play Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, before concluding the tournament against Hong Kong next Saturday, where the annual Causeway Challenge between the U-23 teams of Singapore and Malaysia will also be held.

For now though, Hadizan and his men remain focused on their immediate task of getting a result against the mighty Sri Lankans at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium (4.30pm).

“Sri Lanka is like the Asian version of Fiji — they are known to play good continuity rugby and they have good physicality,” Hadizan explained. “Our boys need to be mentally prepared for a physical game, and everyone has to be fully focused and committed.

“We may be lightweight during one-on-one situations but if we can work together, we have the ability to gain the upper hand.

“We will also aim to dominate every set piece and to keep possession for as long as possible, as having more of the ball will allow us to control the game and play at a pace we are comfortable with.”

TOURNAMENT FIXTURES

Tomorrow:

Chinese Taipei vs Hong Kong, 2.30pm

Singapore vs Sri Lanka, 4.30pm

Wednesday:

Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, 2.30pm

Singapore vs Chinese Taipei, 4.30pm

Saturday:

Chinese Taipei vs Sri Lanka, 2.30pm

Singapore vs Hong Kong 4.30pm

All matches at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium