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Hong Kong lost 44-5 to Japan in their final game at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Belfast. The Sakura putting on a clinical offensive display scoring eight tries, with the first coming after just 82 seconds.
Despite enjoying significant amounts of possession, Hong Kong struggled with its accuracy, particularly in a nervy first quarter, as unforced errors, turnovers and knock-ons blunted their attacking edge.
Meanwhile, Japan managed to turn almost all of their five first half turnovers into points, including scoring two tries in the opening 12 minutes as they leapt out to a 10-0 lead.
Strong defensive efforts by Natasha Olson-Thorne in particular, who turned Japan over three times in the first half, kept Hong Kong in touch for the remainder of the first period, but Japan managed to add a momentum-sapping try shortly before the break, 15-0 at half-time.
Hong Kong steeled its nerve and gained parity over the course of the match, but as in previous matches never really threatened to break down the well-disciplined and organised Japan defence.
Japan clinched the match early in the second half, after an unforced error at the restart gifted Japan possession. Moments later Shimizu crossed the line for her second and Japan’s fourth try as they extended their advantage to 20-0.
Hooker Karen So put Hong Kong on the board in the 52nd minute with a fine individual effort. So came off the bench to put the ball into an attacking lineout on Japan’s five-metre line. Cool under pressure, So’s throw was on target for captain Chow Mei-nam who claimed possession and drove Hong Kong to the Japan try-line.
After a succession of phases, So collected the ball at the base of the ruck and leaped over the pile to score Hong Kong’s only points.
Simple errors on attack and defence were a consistent problem for Hong Kong, who missed 19 tackles and conceded 16 turnovers. Not all of which were the result of Japanese pressure, the errors a part of but not the only reason that the squad failed to achieve it’s ambition of a first win at the World Cup.
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With their first win at a World Cup in sight, the Sakura gathered steam in the final quarter, adding four more tries and two conversions, final score 44-5.
Hong Kong’s first World Cup ended without a win, but with plenty of victories along the way according to captain Chow Mei-nam. “It was our first time in the World Cup and we wanted to create a legacy. We did that with our toughness and never give-up attitude.”
“We are very proud and happy to represent Hong Kong and the crowd was behind us all of the way. Many of our supporters traveled a very long way to come watch us, and many more people were watching at home. With their continued support we can keep playing better,” added Chow.
Additional reporting, images: HKRugby