Tag: World Rugby

Hong Kong 80 Minutes Away From Rugby World Cup Debut

Looking to emulate the women’s team and play in the Rugby World Cup, Hong Kong’s men need a bonus-point win – for scoring four tries or more – and have to prevent Canada from securing a losing-bonus point (for a loss within seven points) to advance to next year’s tournament in Japan.

It’ll be a tough challenge as Canada have looked imposing in the repechage, claiming bonus point wins against Kenya and Germany, as they to look to continue a proud tradition of qualifying for every Rugby World Cup since the first in 1987. The match kick’s off at 4am Hong Kong time Saturday morning.

https://youtu.be/wzQgxm6uYFQ

Their poor performance in the loss against Germany sees Hong Kong needing to take risks, Dai Rees, Chief Rugby Operations Officer at the HKRU, believes that the reward is worth it.

“We have made changes to the squad again and have taken some chances along the route in our selection and learned some important lessons for this game. We want a squad that can come in with high energy.

“Canada have played basically the same squad both games, while we have had a different line-up each time, and have now been able to use everyone. We’re confident that if we bring that energy and are in it at half time, then the game will look after itself.

“It’s going to take a ten-out-of-ten performance but we have prepared with specificity for Canada and are hoping that this group brings energy and takes some risks to qualify.

“The reward is to come off with a victory and four tries. We aren’t coming in just looking for a win, we’re going in with a game plan to qualify for the World Cup.”

The need to first establish parity with physical Canadians has seen Hong Kong revert to its heavy unit, with a selection that resembles the squad named against Germany.

Reflecting the balancing act required in needing both a supercharged attack and a spotless defence, Hong Kong has called up two players from the wider travel squad as injury cover, with 6’7”, 15-stone lock Craig Lodge earning the start – and his first Hong Kong cap – in a high-pressure situation, while scrumhalf Jamie Lauder moves to the reserves bench.

The inclusion of Lodge into the second row alongside Fin Field forces captain James Cunningham to the flank, where he frequently plays for his club Kowloon, adding more muscle to what has already been an impactful back row with No.8 Thomas Lamboley and flanker Toby Fenn productive both offensively and defensively in France.

The starting front row against Germany, loosehead prop Dan Barlow, hooker Dayne Jans and tight head prop Grant Kemp, will man the coalface to start against Canada. Nick Hewson and Michael Parfitt have been named as backrow reserves, with props Ben Higgins and Jack Parfitt and reserve hooker and former U20s captain, Alexander Post, making his first match appearance in France, shoring up the tight five.

“Bringing a guy like Craig, who is 6’7”, 6’8”, on to the park, and moving JC [James Cunningham], another 6’4” big man, into the back row, will help us better combat Canada’s size and strength early on,” said Rees.

“We need to bring a lot of power and strength in the first half, but we’re also in it for the long haul, and are hoping that if we can keep close entering the last 30 minutes or so, then the tries will start to come,” Rees added.

Hong Kong will look to its ever dangerous backs to capitalize on what is hoped will be a flagging Canadian defence in Marseille, with another 6’7” behemoth in winger Conor Hartley eager to get the ball in hand more than in his first outing against Germany. Hartley’s physicality should present a jarring contrast for the Canadians with his silky back-three partners Salom Yiu and Casey Stone at full-back.

Typifying the energy Hong Kong selectors are after is Liam Slatem, the cagey scrumhalf who gets the start over Lauder and Jamie Hood, both capable nines in their own rights, while steady fly-half Matt Rosslee anchors the backline and looks to continue what has been a fruitful tournament with the boot.

The centre pairing of Ben Axten-Burrett and Tyler Spitz also gets another run after testing well against Kenya.

Utility backs Jamie Hood and Jamie Lauder provide attacking threats at every position across the backline, while the direct running of reserve centre Max Woodward should further help break down the Canadian defence late in the game.

Rees complimented the call-ups for the impact they have had, saying, “It’s been tough for both of them. They weren’t selected in the original 30, and now they get this huge opportunity for the last game, but they’ve come in and added energy for us.

“Alex Post as well, they have all come in and contributed, and the entire 35-man travel squad has been tremendous in supporting the group as well. You couldn’t ask for more from any of the players or management.

“One of the true tests of a group is how they handle themselves on tour. Here we are five and a half weeks away from home and the energy level is as high as it was when we left. The camaraderie and the professionalism the players and coaches have displayed should make all of Hong Kong proud,” Rees added.

Hong Kong v Canada
RWC 2019 Repechage, Marseille, 23 November 2018

1. Dan Barlow, 2. Dayne Jans, 3. Grant Kemp, 4. Craig Lodge, 5. Finlay Field, 6. James Cunningham ©, 7. Toby Fenn, 8. Thomas Lamboley, 9. Liam Slatem, 10. Matt Rosslee, 11. Conor Hartley 12. Ben Axten-Burrett 13. Tyler Spitz, 14. Yiu Kam-Shing, Salom 15. Casey Stone. 16. Alexander Post, 17. Ben Higgins, 18. Jack Parfitt, 19. Michael Parfitt, 20. Nick Hewson, 21. Jamie Lauder 22. Jamie Hood, 23. Max Woodward

Additional reporting and images: HKRU, World Rugby

Hong Kong v Canada for Rugby World Cup 2019

Canada and Hong Kong will play off for the 20th and final place at RWC 2019 on Friday 23 November after both sides came through difficult challenges from Germany and Kenya respectively to pick up bonus-point wins in round two of the RWC repechage at the Stade Delort in Marseille.

After taking maximum points for the second match in a row with a 29-10 victory over Germany, Canada lead the standings by five points from Hong Kong, who need to win with a bonus point when the sides meet in the third and final round and also deny the Canucks anything from the game to make it to their first Rugby World Cup.

A place in Pool B alongside defending champions New Zealand, two-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa, Italy and Namibia awaits the winner of the round-robin repechage tournament.

For Kenya and Germany, the qualification dream is now over.

Additional reporting and images: World Rugby

Hong Kong v Wales @ Cardiff Arms Park

Hong Kong take on Wales tonight [03:00 HK time] at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park in the second and final test of their European Tour. In announcing the team Coach Jo Hull, needing to expose a largely inexperienced squad to international rugby against top ranked countries, has kept the team largely intact from last week’s first, with a few tweaks.

Centre Grace Hood starts in place of Sarah Lucas, whom she replaced at half-time in Alicante.  Lucas moves to the bench for the start of the match. Hong Kong sevens contract player Stephanie Chan will get her first start at full-back, while U20s star Jessica Eden earns her first cap for Hong Kong on the wing.

New prop Debby Lam Ka-wai has been named to the bench and Flanker Pun Wai-yan comes in for Maggie Au Yeung who moves to the opposite flank, pushing first test try-scorer Winnie Siu to the bench. Experienced scrum half Sham Wai-sum and utility back Lau Sze-wah also make the bench.

For Hull, the measure of success lies in how much improvement the side shows from game one to two.

“The challenge we have set for the team is that we must see improvement from game to game. The whole purpose of this trip is to improve. This is year one of our three year journey for 2021 [Women’s Rugby World Cup] qualification and even, in the bigger picture, 2025″ said Hull

“This is the group and this is the first step. By playing these teams, the players will get invaluable experience and exposure at this level. We need to expose them as much as possible before 2021 and 2025.”

Hull is under no illusions that the difficulty level is increasing in Wales, ranked ninth in the world entering tonight’s clash.

“Looking at the Spain game, it really was a huge defensive effort from us. The key areas we were lacking in were our set piece and being able to get ahold of the ball initially, and then keep ahold of it and keep that possession.

“We were defending from the start of the game, so our defence has again been a focus for us ahead of Wales. They are a very strong and physical team.

“The breakdown is going to be important for us in terms of being able to stop them from gaining momentum. So we have been looking at our scrum and lineout a lot this week and we need to see significant improvement there.

“It is difficult to play rugby if we are missing a lot of tackles, as we did in Spain. The big challenge is to match their physicality and make sure they don’t run away with the game or build too much momentum early on and not to let them bully us,” continued Hull.

“We felt the subs did well against Spain, so it is reassuring to see that we are starting to develop a bench that can add impact to the game,” Hull added.

Hong Kong v Wales Test (Cardiff Arms Park, Wales, 16 Nov 2018)

1. Lau Nga-Wun, 2. Dr. Karen So (Captain), 3. Yip Cho-Kwan, 4. Chan Ka-Yan, 5. Tsang Ching-Man, 6. Pun Wai-Yan, 7. Maggie Au Yeung, 8. Melody Li (Vice Captain), 9. Jessica Ho, 10. Cheng Lok-Tung, 11. Chong Ka-Yan, 12. Grace Hood, 13. Natasha Olson-Thorne (Vice Captain), 14. Jessica Eden, 15. Stephanie Chan, 16. Charlotte Myrans, 17. Vincci Leung, 18. Lam Ka-Wai, 19. Amber Chan, 20. Winnie Siu, 21. Sham Wai-Sum, 22. Sarah Lucas 23. Lau Sze-Wa.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU, Gai Wu

New Zealand to Host Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021

New Zealand will host the ninth Women’s Rugby World Cup in July and August of 2021. World Rugby awarded the hosting rights for the first tournament in the Southern Hemisphere to Auckland and Whangarei on New Zealand’s North Island by 25 votes to 17 ahead of Australia.

Women’s rugby continues to experience global growth and participation levels are at an all-time high. The six week tournament will be played at four stadiums with the final at the iconic Eden Park, which hosted the men’s Rugby World Cup 2011 final.

According to World Rugby New Zealand and Australia both submitted strong and compelling bids based on the hosting criteria which looked to build on the popularity of the 2017 tournament in Ireland. Which was the best attended Women’s Rugby World Cup and saw over 45 million views across official tournament platforms.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Congratulations to New Zealand on being elected Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 host. They presented a very strong and compelling bid and we look forward to working with New Zealand Rugby to host a successful and inspiring tournament.

“Women’s rugby continues to grow with over 2.4 million women and girls playing rugby at all levels, accounting for more than a quarter of players globally. With Women’s Rugby World Cup attracting record crowds and broadcast audiences in each of the last three tournaments – Ireland 2017, France 2014 and England 2010 – I am in no doubt that the 2021 tournament, the first to be held in the Southern Hemisphere, will continue this record breaking trend.

“I would also like to thank Australia for its exceptional bid. We hope to welcome Australia back to bid again in the future.”

The New Zealand Government strongly supported the bid and after the announcement, New Zealand Rugby Board Member and former Black Fern Farah Palmer said: “We are honoured and excited to be awarded the WRWC2021 and look forward to delivering the first Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. We are looking forward to working together to deliver a world-class tournament for players, officials, fans, commercial partners and spectators watching around the world.”

New Zealand are the current World Champions after winning their fifth Women’s Rugby World Cup, beating England 41 – 32 in a pulsating final at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Additional reporting and images: World Rugby

Hong Kong Take on Spain’s Leonas

Six debutants make the starting fifteen against Spain in Alicante (Sunday, 19:30 HK time) as Hong Kong’s women rugby players look to build on last year’s World Cup appearance.

Up front prop Yip Cho-kwan marks her first cap in a front row which also features Tammy Lau and captain and hooker Dr Karen So. Newcomer Tsang Ching-man forms a locking partnership with Angela Chan, while the back row sees flanker Maggie Au Yeung partnering with Winnie Siu and Melody Li at No.8.

Jessica Ho starts at scrumhalf and she will be hoping to get some quality ball to new-comer Cheng Lok-tung at fly-half. Sevens captain Natasha Olson-Thorne will start at outside centre, pairing with U20s graduate Sarah Lucas, while smiling speedster Chong Ka-yan assumes her customary place on the left wing with Bena Yu on the right. Cindy Yuen starts at fullback.

On the bench there are five more new caps with front rowers Charlotte Myrans and Vincci Leung joining flanker Amber Tsang in back-stopping the forwards, while another National Age Grade player Grace Hood is in line for a first cap at centre. Sevens star Stephanie Chan is likely to earn her first cap off the bench which also features the experience of prop Debby Lam and back Chloe Mak.

At the World Cup Spain’s overwhelming pace was apparent as they scored four of their five tries from longer than 50-metres out. Spain was also among the top teams at forcing turnovers, setting the platform for their devastating counter-attacks.

National coach Jo Hull understands this, saying, “They will be fast, with a lot of sevens influence, and will want to play a counterattacking game. They love to counter,” said Hull.

“One of the big things we have been working on is our ability to play at a higher game speed to withstand the intensity of test rugby. That’s the biggest challenge for us, and playing physically stronger teams.”

A year on from the historic first appearance at a fifteen-a-side world cup, the squad has more exposure to the demands of test rugby and another season of strength and conditioning work and high performance training beneath their belts.

After two losing tours to the Iberian Peninsula in recent years and a 31-7 loss to the Leonas at the 2017 Rugby World Cup. Spain will provide an early test of how Hong Kong’s new look team sizes up against one of the world’s leading rugby nations ahead of Rugby World Cup qualification campaign.

Hong Kong v Spain (Alicante, Spain, 11 Nov 2018)

1. Lau Nga-Wun, 2. Dr Karen So (Captain), 3. Yip Cho-Kwan, 4. Chan Ka-Yan, 5. Tsang Ching-Man, 6. Maggie Au Yeung, 7. Winnie Siu, 8. Melody Li, 9. Jessica Ho, 10. Cheng Lok-Tung, 11. Chong Ka-Yan, 12. Sarah Lucas, 13. Natasha Olson-Thorne (Vice Captain), 14. Bena Yu, 15. Cindy Yuen
Reserves: 16. Charlotte Myrans, 17. Vincci Leung, 18. Debby Lam, 19. Amber Tsang, 20. Pun Wai-Yan, 21. Chloe Mak, 22. Grace Hood, 23. Stephanie Chan.

Additional reporting and images: HKRU

Women’s 15s on Tour

Hong Kong’s women’s national 15s team headed to Europe this week for, what will hopefully become an annual, Autumn tour. Hong Kong will play test matches against Spain on 11 November in Alicante, and Wales on 16 November at the legendary Cardiff Arms Park.

With an eye to the future and qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup the young 26 player squad features fourteen new caps including several graduates of the HKRU’s National Age Grade programmes. The opportunity for the younger players to experience playing overseas and against players they have never played against before is important Hong Kong coach Jo Hull.

“In my perspective, this is the squad that should be together for the next milestone of Hong Kong Rugby. These are the players we need and now we need to give them time to work together, introduce them to the performance environment and get them that exposure, together as a team, to grow and develop,” said Hull

“It is our first international outing since the Rugby World Cup and a chance to showcase our new players and expose them to that level of rugby, which is what we need to do for future World Cup qualification. These are the players that need to gain that experience. To get it, we have to play against the best and we have to put ourselves into test match environments, as early on as possible,” Hull continued.

With the large number of debutants, Hull will look to her senior players to set the tone. That task will fall to new captain Karen So and Rugby World Cup 2017 veterans Natasha Olson-Thorne, Melody Li, Lau Nga-wun and Chong Ka-yan.

“The veterans stepping up will be huge for us, but even though they are veterans for us, they are still young and a bit inexperienced compared to other teams at this level. They need to lead the team now and we’ve asked them to take more ownership and to foster and bring the younger players on,” added Hull.

Among the tour debutants are the centre s and U20s graduates Grace Hood and Sarah Lucas. The duo were also included in the senior tour to Perth, Australia earlier this year. After training with the national squad over the summer, Hood returned to Bath University at the start of the school term but is meeting up directly with the squad in Europe for the upcoming tests.

“Both of them are, I think, future players for Hong Kong and we are keen to give them a go and see how they get on in a test match environment,” Hull said.

Lucas has been proving her mettle domestically, where she has had some impressive outings for USRC Tigers.

“It’s good to see that we’re starting to get players in from a variety of clubs. We are particularly excited about a contingent of players from Kowloon and are looking forward to see how Vincci [Leung Win-yi] from Tai Po Dragons handles the environment,” said Hull.

Leung is one of several new tight five forwards in the squad, alongside Kowloon prop Yip Cho Kwan and lock Amber Tsang. Gai Wu prop Lam Ka-wi and lock Chau Man-huen, Causeway Bay lock Tsang Ching-man and hooker Charlotte Myrans from Tigers are other new faces in the tight five, as Hull looks to build strength and depth in the team’s engine room.

Sevens emerging star Stephanie Chan and Amber Tsang are both being given a chance to add a fifteens cap to their sevens version. Hull believes Chan has a lot to offer in the longer code.

“She is new to the fifteens programme, but she’s been on our radar for several years. She transferred to Gai Wu this season and really is a player that has emerged off of the back of training and playing hard at club level, before she started to shine at sevens.”

“She offers us a lot of versatility in terms of her pace and her decision-making in attack, and her footwork. We’re looking at her across a few positions as she gives us a lot of strike power and pace,” said Hull.

With two challenging but contrasting matches ahead and a squad that will need to gel quickly in the tough tour environment, Hull is realistic about the short-term expectations.

“A huge goal is just to spend as much time together as we can. A lot of our players have full-time jobs. They can’t always focus on our professional environment full-time. The tour gives us a chance to immerse everyone in a high performance environment, to come together as a team and to develop as people as well, all of which will hopefully come together on the pitch.”

“Our time together has been very focused, because it is so limited. But overall, the group has come together very well. Our training has been focused on the needs of the games, and how we think that Spain and Wales will play and what we have seen from them in previous matches.

“Spain will be fast, with a lot of sevens influence, and will want to play a counterattacking game. They love to counter. Wales are a strong team, more structured probably than Spain and they have talent all over the field, from forwards to the backs,” Hull said.

Hull believes that Hong Kong stacks up well against their opponents

“We have different focuses going into each game. A big thing we have been working on is our ability to play at a higher game speed, to withstand the intensity of test rugby. That is the biggest challenge for us, and our set piece and playing against physically stronger teams.”

“What we do well is in the intensity of our play. What this group will need to harness is that experience and exposure to international rugby from these games, what to do in different scenarios and situations, when the game is going against us or if we are winning and need to close it out.”

“We aren’t expecting or needing a miracle on tour, or to get it right all of the time, but we are expecting the squad to come together and show the potential to keep them together and grow and nurture this group of players.”

Hong Kong Squad for Autumn Tests (Spain, Wales)

Forwards: Karen So Hoi-Ting (Captain), Au Yeung Sin-Yi*, Chan Ka-Yan, Chau Man-Huen*, Lam Ka-Wai*, Lau Nga-Wun, Vincci Leung Wing-Yi*, Melody Li Nim-Yan, Charlotte Myrans*, Pun Wai-Yan, Winnie Siu Wing-Ni, Tsang Ching-Man*, Amber Tsang Wing-Chi*, Yip Cho-Kwan*.

Backs:Stephanie Chan Chor-Ki*, Cheng Lok-Tung*, Chong Ka-Yan, Jessica Eden*, Jessica Ho Wai-On, Lau Sze-Wa, Sarah Lucas*, Grace Hood*, Mak Ho-Yee, Natasha Olson-Thorne, Yuen Lok-Yee, Bena Yu Bo-Yan*.

* Potential First Caps

Additional reporting and images: HKRU

Mixed Fortunes At Asia Rugby Sevens Series Opener

Hong Kong enjoyed a relatively successful Asia Rugby Sevens Series opener, the first of three events on this year’s Series, with the men finishing second behind Japan and the women finishing fourth.

The men set up a re-match of the Asian Games final at Hong Kong Football Club after beating the Philippines 42-7 in the last pool match before dispatching Sri Lanka, 31-0, in the semi-final.

Hong Kong entered the final having posted 228 points while conceding just seven, leaving coach Paul John concerned that his side had not been tested enough entering the showcase match.  Those concerns looked unfounded in the first half with Hong Kong turning over Japan from the kick-off, and dominating the opening possession and territory stakes.

Unfortunately for the hosts they couldn’t translate that pressure into points, with the score nil-all at the break.

The second half was a mirror image of the first, as Japan exerted its dominance in the evenly matched battle between Asia’s sevens superpowers. That dominance started from the opening kick-off with unforced errors proving crucial for Hong Kong, as a bobbled take by the defence led to Japan’s first try at the start of the half.

More errors led to more scoring opportunities for Japan, who capitalized accordingly, as they pitched the shutout against Hong Kong, 12-0.

“That was a good Japan side,” said a disappointed Paul John after the final. “I think they were better than the one we played two weeks ago at the Asian Games, but that doesn’t take away the fact that we played into their hands in the final a bit.

“We played into their hands by going straight at them really, which we didn’t do too much of at the Asian Games. We turned too much ball over in contact and it was our fault, first and foremost, for not securing that kick-off that led to their try.

“There was nothing in that game. We had two errors and conceded two tries. We weren’t making those errors at the start of the weekend, but we made them in the final, when the pressure was different.

“We just need to learn from it. We won two weeks ago and we can’t just expect to win again. The boys will be disappointed with how we performed in that last game,” John added.

The women’s seven reached the match many had tipped them for at the Asian Games, progressing to the third place final against Kazakhstan, bronze medalists in Jakarta, before bowing out.

Coach Kevin West called on his side to produce three consistent performances today and he largely got them, as Hong Kong extended its recent mastery over South Korea with a 34-0 pool stage win before mounting a brave fight against China in the semi finals, succumbing 19-14.

In the third place play-off, Hong Kong’s consistency and accuracy wavered, although that was partially forced by pressure generated from a very physical Kazakhstan team.

Hong Kong were on defence from the opening whistle, digging deep for a try-saving tackle in the first minute.  Hong Kong survived Kazakhstan’s early forays and, assisted by a high first half penalty count against the visitors, were able to mount their first attack of the match.

The Kazakhstan defence was up to the challenge and were able to mount a strong counter-attack out wide with the burly forwards waiting on the wings using their long arms to good advantage by fending off Stephanie Chan’s tackle to score the opening try in the fourth minute.

Leading 7-0, Kazakhstan lengthened its advantage in the second half, with help from Hong Kong who over-cooked its re-start kick to give Kazakhstan possession off the bat.  The visitors made Hong Kong pay by scoring a quick try to start the final stanza.

Hong Kong had a glimmer of hope after Kazakhstan were handed a yellow card with under three minutes remaining, but could not muster any attack with their numerical advantage. The hosts scored a consolation try through Aggie Poon in the corner with the visitors back at full strength, before Kazakhstan replied at the hooter to run out 14-5 winners.

West chalked up some of his side’s miscues to the strenuous route to the play-off this afternoon, through China and Kazakhstan, the two biggest sides in Asia.

“We got up a lot for that game against China and we got a lot of things right in that game. Against Kazakhstan, we weren’t as accurate and that could have been the impact of the physicality that they brought, which China also brought.”

Although disappointed with today’s results, West says his squad remains on track. “Our goal is still the same, to finish in the top three. We are fourth now and we are going to have to improve next time and continue to do so in the one after that,” he said.

West’s projections are borne up by Hong Kong’s recent results, as they climbed from fifth overall at the Asian Games to fourth this weekend and will be targeting a top three finish in Incheon. “I’m really pleased that the girls are coming together and showing great fight throughout these tournaments. For the first time, we are leaving a tournament for the first time with the girls knowing that they could have easily finished third or been in the final. That is a real step forward for us,” West added.

Japan maintained its hot hand in the women’s competition beating China for a second straight cup final 12-7. Kazakhstan won the bronze in the women’s competition while Sri Lanka took third in the men’s.

The top ranked finishers on this year’s series (excluding World Series qualified team Japan) will earn an invite as the 16th team at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens in 2019, while the top two non-Japanese finishers will earn slots at the international World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier played as part of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens in April for a shot to earn a full-time spot on the World Series.

The top women’s side on the series table when the dust settles – excluding World Series side China, will receive an invite to play at the 20190 Kitakyushu Sevens in Japan while the two highest ranked finishers outside of China will represent Asia at the women’s world series qualifiers in Hong Kong in early 2019.

Additional reporting and images: HK rugby

Asia Rugby Sevens Series: Hong Kong – Day One

Hong Kong’s men’s sevens team picked up where they left off as the Asian Games champions went undefeated on day one of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in Hong Kong. The women did one better than their last outing in Jakarta, with an early and important 22-7 win over Thailand, who had ushered Hong Kong out of the medals at the Asian Games earlier this month.

Captain Natasha Olson-Thorne paced Hong Kong with a brace of tries in the first half against Thailand with forward Nam Ka-man adding a score in the opening salvo as Hong Kong led 17-0 at the break after a conversion from Stephanie Chan. Aggie Poon Pak-yan added a try to extend the lead to 22-0 before Thailand scored and converted at the final whistle.

The challenge mounted for Hong Kong in its final pool match of the day against top seeds and Asian Games champions Japan.

Hong Kong had a solid opening half, and while primarily playing behind the ball, managed to keep its defensive structures intact to limit Japan to a 7-0 lead after five minutes. Japan turned on the jets in the waning minutes of the half, and aided by a yellow card against Chan Tsz-ching in the sixth minute, added two more scores before the whistle as they took a 19-0 lead into the break.

Japan added a try to start the second half to push their lead to 24-0 before Hong Kong returned to full strength after the sin-bin. Poon clawed a try back for Hong Kong in the 13th minute with a great individual effort, creating space with an impressive fend, before sprinting 60-metres for the score. Poon’s conversion cut the deficit to 24-7 but a try at the hooter brought the final total to 31-7.

Hong Kong coach Kevin West said that unforced errors were ultimately the difference against Japan:

“They were small errors, but small things can turn games. We had two tackles against Japan where we reached with arms. If we had executed those with chop tackles like we did against Thailand earlier, the game would have been on a knife’s edge and could have gone either way.

“Those small things are hugely important and it comes down to a matter of consistency for us, and being consistent in our processes regardless of the opposition. But it’s a tournament and not one match. There’s still another game for us tomorrow in the pool and our goal is to beat Korea.

“We are after three quality performances together tomorrow; performances where we execute our processes every single time. If we can do that then the results will follow,” he added.

West was pleased to have had a chance to integrate returning campaigners Sham Wai-sum and Colleen Tjosvold into the squad after both missed out on the Asian Games. Their return, and the debut of Maggie Au Yeung Sin-yi, gives West a deep bench for tomorrow’s run.

“We were able to get everyone a run and they all added something today. Everyone is on the same page and has a clear idea of what we need to do and what we are trying to execute.

“Maggie looked very relaxed and is dealing with the occasion well. Every game she learns more and it’s so important for us to be building that depth. She’s one of three newer players along with Stephanie and Vivian [Chan], all of whom are performing, which is great for us,” said West.

The men cleared their opening hurdle against Malaysia with room to spare, running out 54-0 winners before coming up against a South Korean side absent of most of the names from its Asian Games squad and as such the result was never in question as Hong Kong ran out easy 61-0 winners.

At the end of the opening day, Hong Kong is atop the pool with a final match against the Philippines tomorrow to round out the preliminaries. But after an easier than expected first day, coach Paul John is wary of a potential banana skin match tomorrow.

“We knew when we saw the sides that turned up that they are different teams compared to the Asian Games. Korea is certainly different from that semi-final in Jakarta.”

“So we knew it would be a bit different this weekend, but tomorrow we play the Philippines and they look quite physical as they normally are. Sri Lanka look like they normally do and we could end up crossing over against them in the semi finals, while Japan have also brought a good side.”

John was pleased with the way his side maintained its form throughout the day despite the big margins.

“Sometimes you can try and force it against teams like that when there is no need, but I was pleased with the way the boys played. We didn’t take anyone lightly and scored over 100 points, but we haven’t been tested as much I would have liked, which is always a bit of a concern. This competition you go straight into knockout so you have to be ready, but we know what we need to do tomorrow,” John added.

The women’s last pool match is against South Korea at 11.06 on the 15 September, while the men will play the Philippines at 12.12.

Asia Rugby Sevens Series
Date: 14-15 September, 2018
Venue: HK Football Club
Tickets: tbc

Additional reporting and images: HK rugby

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