History will be made today as the Sri Lanka Tuskers face New Zealand’s Under-85kg national rugby team for the first time at Nittawela Stadium, Kandy, at 4 p.m.

Led by Jarred Percival, the New Zealand squad brings talent from 13 top clubs, including players from Christchurch’s Light Bears and Auckland’s Black Panthers.

Sri Lanka, captained by Nigel Ratwatte, enters the match with momentum after their dominant 59-19 win over Malaysia in April’s Asia Rugby Championship play-off.

This marks the first rugby encounter between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on home soil since 1955.

The Sir Graham Henry Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the two-match tour, with the second game set for 10 May in Colombo.