Two of the country’s foremost rugby institutions, Isipathana College and Royal College will battle it out for a place in the final in the high-stakes second semi-final of the Under 19 Inter-School President’s Trophy Knockout at the Sugathadasa Stadium this afternoon (11).

Defending champions Isipathana led by Thinethra Dodangoda have already underlined their uninhibited credentials for the title with commanding performances in the earlier rounds.

Their famed outside backs and aggressive forward play have been crucial in securing their place in the last four.

However, the Green Machine trained by Dhanushka Botheju will need to avoid unforced errors and penalties if they are to book their spot in next week’s final against an uncompromising Royal side.

Royal under Amika Samarasinghe, on the other hand, will start as clear underdogs in the words of their master tactician-cum-Head Coach Dushanth Lewke.

They will no doubt look to hit the ground running and turn tables on their opponents in what shapes to be a cracking showdown.

The Colombo 7 team’s strong suit has been their mastery of set pieces and the rolling maul, and with discipline and a structured gameplay, they may stand a chance of penetrating the Isipathana defensive line.

Overall, it points to a clash with no quarter asked and none given, and whoever copes with the mounting pressure best and lands the decisive punch will go through to the knockout grand finale against Trinity at Sugathadasa Stadium on 18 May.