(Source: Gulf News)

Continuing their commitment to rugby, both on a domestic and international level, Emirates Airline has recently announced their sponsorship of a new 15-a-side tournament – the Emirates Four Nations Cup.

The weeklong event will take place from December 9 to 16 at the Sevens, immediately after highly popular Dubai Rugby 7′s tournament.

This initiative, developed by UAE Rugby and supported by the Hong Kong RFC, ARFU and the IRB, will provide an extra layer of activity identified by the IRB as being critical to the development of nations who wish to improve their international rugby standing.

As the first cross border and cross continent tournament of its kind, the Emirates Four Nations Cup will allow four ambitious National XV’s teams to play more international games providing greater preparation for their respective Regional Tournaments and IRB competitions.

The four teams competing in 2011′s inaugural Emirates Four Nations Cup are: Kenya (Confederation of African Rugby), Brazil (Confederación Sudamericana de Rugby), Hong Kong (Asian Rugby Football Union) and host nation, UAE (Asian Rugby Football Union).

Click here to read more.

Korea captured its third consecutive Shanghai Sevens title after edging Hong Kong 22-17 with a try in sudden-death in today’s Cup final.

Kim Gwong Min scored the winning try to complete a hat-trick in the final and earn the honours as the Most Valuable Player of the Shanghai Sevens 2011.

After a shock loss to unheralded Philippines on day one, Korea righted its ship on day two to book its place in the final for the third consecutive year in Shanghai against Hong Kong, the in-form team of the tournament this weekend.

Speaking after the emotional cup final win, Korea captain Yoon Tae-Il said, “Our performance improved after day one and we had a good review after losing to the Philippines. We were able to come back and defeat China in front of their home crowds and reach the final where we had as good a chance as Hong Kong.

“It is fair to say that Hong Kong was the in-form team of the tournament but we looked across from them in the second half and when we were exhausted we could see they were exhausted too. It gave us the lift to come back.”

Continuing its trend of winning the hard way this weekend, Korea conceded a 10-point lead to Hong Kong in the first half of the final through tries to Keith Robertson and Tom McQueen, another player in the running for MVP honours this weekend.

But Korea struck back quickly in the second half through Kim Gwong Min’s first try from the kick-off. Hong Kong replied through Rowan Varty on his tournament debut as sevens captain further widening the lead to 17-5 after Keith Robertson’s conversion. Under relentless pressure from Korea in the second half, Hong Kong conceded a yellow card for interference on the try line. Korea efficiently utilised the man advantage to put Kim over for his second try closing the gap at 17-10.

Korea continued to exert pressure on Hong Kong in the second half, leading to a try to winger Noh Hoon Jae, levelling the scores at 17-all at the end of regulation time.

Korea’s Kim Gwong Min scores the winning try at the Shanghai Sevens(Pic: Elite Step Asia)

Extra Time

Hong Kong exerted early pressure from the kick-off of extra time but in the second minute of the five-minute golden point extra-time, Korea managed to fly-kick ahead from ruck ball and the rapacious Kim Gwong Min was again in the right place at the right time. Kim outpaced the Hong Kong defence to chase down the ball and cross over for his third try of the match giving Korea the title with a 22-17 win.

The win marked the third consecutive victory for Korea in Shanghai. Korea also enters the history books as the first ever tournament champions on the new HSBC Asian Sevens Series launched this year. It was also the first win for Korea in the Yuanshen Stadium in Shanghai, which hosted the event for the first time in 2011.

Heartbreak for Hong Kong

It was heartbreak for Hong Kong after reaching the Shanghai final for the first time in the three-year history of the event. Hong Kong narrowly missed out on its own Cinderella story as they were in position to win the inaugural event of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Shanghai just days after announcing that HSBC is the new principle sponsor of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union National Teams.

Hong Kong can take solace in being the team to beat for much of the tournament despite integrating several new and returning players into the core squad for the opening tournament on the 2011 series.

Hong Kong’s run to the final included a convincing 26-nil win over its traditional nemesis Japan in the Cup semi final. Despite the disappointment of the final, the performance will hold Hong Kong in good stead as they prepare to defend their title at next month’s Borneo Sevens, the second ranking event on the HSBC Asian Sevens Series 2011.

Hong Kong National Coach Dai Rees (pictured above) was philosophical about the result saying, “It is disappointing of course to lose in extra time but I am pleased with the way we were able to gel as a team and to reach the final in the first tournament of the season. We will use this loss as motivation as we prepare for Borneo. The good thing is that the new lads fitted into the squad very well and there is now great depth in our squad and some fierce competition for places in Borneo.”

The next event on the HSBC Asian Sevens Series is the Borneo Sevens (September 24-25) in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia, where Hong Kong are the reigning champions.

A triumphant Korea celebrate their Shanghai Sevens 2011 win (Pic: Elite Step Asia)

The Hong Kong Sevens team has made a confident start to their campaign in the inaugural HSBC Asian Sevens Series.

The tournament kicked-off in the Chinese city of Shanghai today and concludes with the knock-out rounds tomorrow, Sunday 28 August.

Competing in Pool D, Hong Kong saw off the challenge from Malaysia (28 – 7) as well as Mongolia (59 – 0).

The season-opener was not without it’s upset, with the Philippines beating favourites and Asian strongmen Korea 19 – 7.

Hong Kong captain Rowan Varty takes on Mongolia at the Shanghai Sevens. (Pic: Elite Step Asia)

The line-up for tomorrow’s knock-out matches is:

UAE  v Sri Lanka
Bowl Semi Final (BSF1)

Chinese Taipei v Mongolia
Bowl Semi Final (BSF2)

Japan v Malaysia
Quarter Final (QF1)

Hong Kong v Thailand
Quarter Final (QF2)

Philippines  v Kazakhstan
Quarter Final (QF3)

China v Korea
Quarter Final (QF4)

In other news from the Shanghai Sevens, The National reports that it’s not all good for the UAE at the season-opener.

The UAE made the worst possible start in their bid to persuade the International Rugby Board they deserve a place at December’s Dubai Rugby Sevens, after they lost both their matches in the pool stage of the Shanghai Sevens yesterday.

The newly formed UAE sevens side have been told they will have to prove they are worthy of playing in the opening tournament of the HSBC World Series in Dubai later this year.

The team was created after the Arabian Gulf was disbanded at the end of last year, but they did not automatically assume the Gulf’s place in their home competition.

Instead, the IRB will monitor how they fare in the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, with this weekend’s opening leg in Shanghai to be followed by tournaments in Borneo and Thailand.

If the game’s ruling body decide the team from the Emirates are not competitive enough, the Dubai Sevens will be the only leg on the nine-tournament World Series not to have a home representative.

Additional picture in this report: China’s Lu Zhuan on the run in the 26-7 win over Kazakhstan on day one of the Shanghai Sevens, the opening event of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series

The Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) will this weekend host yet another match featuring some exciting international names.

The Chartis Cup will be played between the Asia Pacific Barbarians and the World XV.

Both Squads will include many star players from around the World, with all of the Ticket revenue being donated to the Japan Tsunami Appeal.

David Campese, Wallaby Legend and Coach for the Asia Pacific Barbarians commented,

“It is fantastic that a company such as Chartis has stepped into the lead position to make sure this Charity Match happens. This is going to be a Match the likes of which is rarely seen anywhere in the World, least of all in Asia. As well as showing our support for the people of Japan by raising funds, we also hope the Match will help promote and develop rugby from grassroots to elite level across the region, by bringing Rugby heroes from across the World together.”

Sean Fitzpatrick and David Campese (Chairman & coach of the Asia Pacific Barbarians respectively) appearing at The Canny Man in Wan Chai, Hong Kong Pic: Mike Jansen

Fijian aces, Sireli Bobo (Racing Metro), Vilimoni Delasau and Rupeni Caucaunibuca (both at Toulouse), New Zealands Sione Lauaki (Clemont) and from Japan, Takuro Miuchi (NTT Docomo) will all be in the APBs Squad, along with new rugby union convert Willie Mason.

The World XV will boast such stars as: from France, Serge Betsen (Wasps), Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Toulouse), Mathieu Bastareaud (Stade Francais) from England Josh Lewsey, Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester), Steffon Armitage (London Irish) and from South Africa, Deon Carstens (Saracens) have all confirmed so far.

Our sister-site BlitzBokke.com has learned that The Sharks/Toulon lock Ross Skeate (pictured below) has also confirmed his participation.

News just in: Ross Skeate will not be taking part in the Chartis Cup this weekend due to SuperRugby commitments with The Sharks.

Trevor Gregory, Chairman, HKRFU said, “We are delighted that this charity match will be played in Hong Kong. This is a great opportunity for the rugby community to show its support for our friends in Japan, and to see some of the stars of world rugby in action.”

The Match will be played at the Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday 11th June. – Kick off at 17:00 (TBC)

Ground entry by Programme: Adults: HK$300 Child: HK$50

Hook us up on Twitter by adding @BlitzBokke for all the latest on The Chartis Cup in Hong Kong

Japan coach John Kirwan joined former Scotland boss Frank Hadden in leading clinics for 50 schoolchildren on Thursday morning as the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour continued its four-day series of activities in Dubai.

Kirwan has enjoyed the highs of rugby, finishing as the joint-top try scorer as New Zealand won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 and coaching Japan at France 2007.

However, the former winger showed his enthusiasm for spreading the game at the grassroots level when he and Hadden gave youngsters from Al Shafie Primary School and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Secondary School a taste of world-class coaching at Al Safa Sports Hall, a day before his Japan side took on the UAE in their televised HSBC Asian 5 Nations clash.

“It’s very hot here at this time of year, so we’ve coached the kids indoors and this version of the game seems very popular. They responded well to the drills we developed for them and seem to have a genuine appetite for the game,” said Kirwan, who in March launched this year’s HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour with fellow All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu in Hong Kong.

“Rugby in the UAE has traditionally been spearheaded by expatriates, so it has been rewarding to help the game grow in local schools and communities with the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour, which is dedicated to developing the game at all levels, all across Asia.”

Japan coach John Kirwan introduces rugby to local students as part of the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour

Japan are playing the UAE for the first time since the creation of the new national association, having enjoyed home wins over the former Arabian Gulf in HSBC Asian 5 Nations matches in 2008 and last year.

As Kirwan returned his attention to his ‘Brave Blossoms’, Frank Hadden led a clinic on Friday morning for U-14 players at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Football Club.

“I came to Dubai last year with the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour and I really liked what I saw, so it’s great to come again to witness the continued enthusiasm for this great game of ours,” said Hadden, who coached Scotland from 2005 to 2009.

“There is real potential for growth here, especially in the Arab community and we are delighted to try to assist with development at all levels.”

Hadden spearheaded the inaugural HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour last year following his four-year stint with Scotland and this year he has again been leading the bulk of activity along with Ismail Kadir, Development Officer for ARFU (Asian Rugby Football Union) and a former Singapore centre.

The Tour’s activity in the UAE started on Tuesday with a session for Al Marif Secondary School for Boys in Rashidiya, Deira, while Hadden and Kadir conducted a teachers’ workshop in Salahuddin Sports Hall in Bur Dubai on Wednesday.

Dean Herewini of the HSBC Penguin International Coaching Academy with a local student in Dubai this week

Dean Herewini, representing the HSBC Penguin International Coaching Academy, was part of the coaching staff for Thursday’s sessions and was part of Friday’s clinic for the Dubai Exiles youngsters.

Division IV is also being held at The Sevens this week and on Friday evening the third place playoff between Uzbekistan and Jordan and the final between Lebanon and Qatar both kick off at 6.00pm before the UAE host Japan at 8.00pm.

Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE, said: “Today we were delighted to see the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour continue its widespread activities in the UAE for the week, and we’re happy that it returned to build on its excellent work here in Dubai last year.

“The HSBC Asian 5 Nations enables the world’s local bank to engage with the local community and at the same time, the coaching programme is designed to inspire the next generation of rugby players.”

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Following our speculation a week ago here on Howzit-HongKong, the Australian Rugby Union has confirmed that a Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup clash is a thing of the past.

The Bledisloe Cup will not be played in Asia in the short term after the revamp of the Australia-New Zealand series into a three Test match series over the next 10 years, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said on Thursday.

A trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup has been staged in Hong Kong (2008, 2010) and Tokyo (2009) over the last three years.

Last year’s Test in Hong Kong was tarnished by a lower than expected turnout with just 26 000 paying to watch the action in the 40 000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium.

Now that a decision has been made between the New Zealand Rugby Union and ARU to stage an additional Test each year between the two countries there was no room for a Bledisloe Cup game in Asia, the ARU said.

“In the short term ARU will not be looking to host its additional Bledisloe Cup Test in venues outside of Australia,” an ARU spokesperson confirmed.

                                     The All Blacks show off the Bledisloe Cup at the HK Stadium (Pic: The Telegraph)

The third Bledisloe Cup Test each year will alternate between Australia and New Zealand and be played at the conclusion of the expanded Four Nations tournament also featuring South Africa and Argentina, getting under way next year, the ARU said.

(Source: AFP)

Bledisloe Cup 2010: HK Fans’ Day

I have been living in Hong Kong for four years now and, I have to admit, in that time I have personally met more Wallaby and All Blacks (current and legends) here than I have Springboks.

Because of annual Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, as well as the SA Association Dinner (and the recent Invictus movie) I have had the privilege of meeting South African legends such as Naas Botha, Marius Hurter, Bob Skinstad, Kobus Wiese, Butch James, as well as SA commentator and former Junior-Bok Hugh Bladen.

Given one or two names that eludes me at 00:15 in the Hong Kong morning, I can probably count the Bok legends I have met here on two hands.

On the other hand I have met numerous Assie and Kiwis (current and ex-players) here in Hong Kong mainly because of the Bledisloe Cup games in 2008 and 2010 as well as promotional events in the run-up to the 2011 Rugby Wold Cup (RWC) in New Zealand later this year.

One of these legends, John (JK) Kirwan was in Hong Kong just last week when his team Japan played hosts Hong Kong in the Asian5Nations Tournament.

I had met the RWC Winner on another previous occasion in Hong Kong when he represented the New Zealand Tourism organisation in the the build-up to RWC 2011.

And what a speaker JK is!

I caught up with Kirwan at a HSBC/ARFU coaching clinic at the HK Football Club recently and asked him some questions:

The IRB’s Total Rugby today posted the following video of JK, recorded while he was here in Hong Kong:

I took some pictures while Kirwan was here in Hong Kong:

HSBC/ARFU Coaching Clinic

Japan vs. Hong Kong (Asian5Nations)

The New Zealand All Blacks has played Australia’s Wallabies in Hong Kong on two occasions as part of the Bledisloe Cup.  Sadly it seems that 2010 was the last year local fans of the two Antipodean rugby greats will have seen a Bledisloe match played in the SAR.

The All Blacks and Wallabies will contest the Bledisloe Cup over three Tests under a revamped format to take effect in 2012, the New Zealand and Australian rugby unions announced Saturday.

The new arrangement replaces the present system where the Cup, the symbol of trans-Tasman rugby supremacy, is contested as part of the Tri-Nations tournament which also involves South Africa.

From next year, the third and possibly deciding match will be hosted alternately between the two countries, following their home and away clashes in the Tri-Nations.

The first additional Bledisloe Cup Test will be hosted by Australia in October 2012 and there are no plans to take it to a neutral venue as has happened in recent years.

Hong Kong fans pose with some players and the Bledisloe Cup (Pic: Mike Jansen 2010)

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the additional Test was part of a new All Blacks schedule which includes three Tests in June, the expanded Tri-Nations which takes in Argentina from 2012, and the end of year northern hemisphere tour.

“Our expectation, supported by feedback from our fans, is that a three-match Bledisloe Cup Series will be keenly followed and fits well into our season,” Tew said.

Fan research in both Australia and New Zealand supported the Bledisloe Cup being contested over a three-match series, rather than two as it was for many years prior to the expansion of the Tri Nations, Tew added.

Mike Jansen took the following pictures at last year’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Hong Kong:

(1) The Fan Day

(2) Match Day

(3) Bledisloe Cup: Hong Kong 2008

Japan enter Saturday’s HSBC Asian Five Nations clash with Kazakhstan in Bangkok with coach John Kirwan’s words still ringing in their ears.

Kirwan was not a happy man last week, despite the Brave Blossoms getting their 2011 campaign off to a winning start. Japan beat Hong Kong 45-22 but it was a performance that left the former All Black very unhappy.

“If we went by the standards we set ourselves for playing the likes of Fiji and Samoa then we actually ‘lost’ last week’s game 48-22,” he said ahead of Saturday’s triple header in Thailand that also sees India take on Iran in the Division II relegation match and the hosts Thailand play Chinese Taipei in the Division II final at the National Stadium.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Hong Kong as they hustled and bustled us.  But we didn’t perform as well as we should. It’s been an edgy week and the players have got a bit to prove,” added Kirwan.

Kirwan has made wholesale changes to the starting XV, but stressed that was always on the cards. The only surprise was the appointment of tighthead prop Kensuke Hatakeyama as captain – though regular skipper Takashi Kikutani will act as vice-captain.

John Kirwan pictured at the HSBC ARFU Coaching Tour in Hong Kong recently (Pic: Mike Jansen)

“This is a great opportunity to show the people of Tohuku and Japan that we have not forgotten them. Hatakeyama will lead the team to show our unity and courage,” said Kirwan.

The 25-year-old Hatakeyama is from Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, and his family home was destroyed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

“I will try to inspire my teammates to work hard,” Hatakeyama said. “I would very much like to convey our team message to the people in my hometown and the Tohoku region and show our unity and courage through a hard game.”

The Waseda University graduate is one of two positional switches and 10 personnel changes to the starting XV that took the field against Hong Kong. Hisateru Hirashima and Takeshi Kizu join the new captain in the front row and there is a new second row pairing with the recall of veterans Hitoshi Ono and Luke Thompson.

Kikutani moves from flanker to No. 8 where he is joined by flankers Toetsu Taufa and Itaru Taniguchi.

Fumiaki Tanaka comes in to partner Shaun Webb at halfback, one of three players to keep his place and position. Webb, center Koji Taira and wing Alisi Tupuailai are joined in the backline by Taihei Ueda (who moves from fullback to wing), inside centre Yuta Imamura and fullback Atsushi Tanabe. Goshi Tachikawa, who joined the squad in Hong Kong last Sunday to replace Ryohei Yamanaka, is one of the seven replacements.

Japan won last year’s game at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya Stadium 101-7, but Kirwan wants his players to forget that and concentrate on their own performances.

“It’s all about performance,” he said. “The players must give 100 percent every time they wear the national jersey. I am sure Kazakhstan will have a few things up their sleeves and we must adapt to whatever they throw at us.”

The Kazakhs come into the game on the back of two losses and defeat here would mean they must beat Sri Lanka in their final match if they are to avoid relegation.

The Lankans meanwhile face pressure of their own as their Top 5 match this week against Hong Kong is potentially make or break for their hopes of remaining in the elite division of Asian rugby in 2012. Sri Lanka know a defeat at the hands of high-flying Hong Kong could result in their stint in the Top Five competition being short and not so sweet.

“A victory is crucial against Hong Kong. We are confident and we will give it our best shot,” said No 8 and captain Sean Wijesinghe who will be hoping his forwards can repeat the same gutsy performance they showed in the 13-13 draw against the United Arab Emirates a fortnight ago.

The failure to seal victory in that game has left last year’s Division One winners in a precarious position for they know a loss to Hong Kong could all but end their dreams of staying in the elite bracket. Sri Lanka travels to Almaty next week where they will face Kazakhstan, who despite losing to Hong Kong 23-10 this year, are a mighty force at home. The remaining game for the islanders will be against defending champions Japan on May 21 in Colombo.

“It is quite a formidable challenge but I’m confident we can secure our place in the Top Five next year,” says Sri Lanka’s Kiwi coach Ellis Meachen. “The boys know they are playing for 20 million of their countrymen. I have told them they are playing for all the villages and cities in Sri Lanka.”

With one of the smallest reservoir of players in the world, Hong Kong often punches above its weight and are intent on finishing second this year. The away win over Kazakhstan was a huge boost towards this end, and last week’s 45-22 loss to Japan was another morale booster.

But national coach Dai Rees is not taking anything for granted. “They will throw everything at us for this is an important game for them,” Rees said. “They are a skilful side and we won’t take them lightly.”

Hong Kong make a couple of changes to the front-row with hooker Brent Taylor returning from injury while specialist tighthead prop Nigel Hobler has been recalled.

“The Sri Lankan forwards are a useful unit and we have decided to strengthen our front row to counter that threat,” Rees said. “The rest of the starting lineup remains unchanged from that which began against Japan.”

However, there will be a new face on the bench, in the form of lock/back rower Kwok Ka-Chun who will be appearing for the first time this season.

Sri Lanka too has stuck to the same squad which held the UAE and will rely hugely on the back-row trio of Wijesinghe, Yoshitha Rajapakse and Danushka Perera to rattle Hong Kong.

“We have decided to give the same set of guys another go. They deserve it having played so well against the UAE,” said Michael Jayasekera, chairman of selectors.

The Squads for Hong Kong & Sri Lanka are:

Sri Lanka:

1. Terence Henry, 2. Achala Perera 3. Eranga Swarnathilaka 4. Senaka Bandara 5. Sajith Saranga 6. Danushka Perera 7. Yositha Rajapaksa 8. Sean Wijesinghe © 9. Roshan Weerarathne 10. Fazil Marija 11. Charith Senaverathne 12. Gayan Weerarathne 13. Pradeep Liyanage 14. Nuwan Hettarachchi 15. Saliya Kumara 16. Nishal Heepage 17. Bilal Hassan 18. Dinesh Sanjeewa 19. Keith Gurusinghe 20. Prasad Chaturanga 21. Chanaka Chandimal 22. Lasitha Costa

Hong Kong:

1. Alex NG Wai Shing 2. Brent Taylor 3. Nigel Hobler 4. Renaud Chavanis 5. Michael Waller 6. Nick Hewson 7. Mark Goosen 8. Pale Tauti 9. Peter McKee 10. Keith Robertson 11. Rowan Varty 12. Lee Jones 13. Tom McColl © 14. Salom Yiu Kam Shing 15. Ross Armour 16. Andrew Li 17. Alex Harris 18. Kwok Ka Chun 19. Terence Montgomery 20. Tim Alexander 21. Jamie Hood 22. Alex McQueen

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Howzit-HongKong.com attended the Asian5Nations match between hosts Hong Kong and Asian rugby powerhouse Japan at a packed Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) today.

We’ve been attending events there for the last 4 years and today’s crowd was probably the best we’re encountered.  While entrance was free, there were plenty of families taking in the atmosphere.  The visitors had strong support from locally-based Japanese but the crowd was firmly behind the home team.

Out on the pitch it was a rusty Japan who eked out a win against a spirited Hong Kong, and the disappointment showed on coach John Kirwan face immediately after the match.

“The only positive out of this game was the win (45 – 22),” said Kirwan (pictured below by Mike Jansen). “But I’d rather this happens now than later on this season. We have plenty of work to do.”

Japan ran in seven tries – five of them in the first half – with winger Alisi Tupuailai grabbing a hat-trick. No.8 Ryukoliniasi Holani, flyhalf Shaun Webb, left winger Hirotoki Onozawa and flanker Michael Leitch also scored one each. Centre Ryan Nicholas collected 10 points from the boot.

No. 14 Alisi Tupuailai almost scored his 4th try but fumbled the pass with a few minutes left on the clock and time running out for HK (Pic: Mike Jansen)

But the glut turned into a drought as Hong Kong bravely fought back and took their chances superbly to leave Japan in disarray by the end of the game.

“It was a poor performance from our team,” Kirwan said. “We didn’t protect the ball and we lost our composure. I thought we were rusty at halftime, but we got rustier as the game wore on.”

Despite pre-game worries by Kirwan of a slow start, the players who are all in the preliminary World Cup squad came out firing on all cylinders, dominating both set pieces as well as in the loose to look threatening. But the spark died down after the break as a gutsy Hong Kong didn’t let up.

Gutsy Hong Kong fight-back

“We got in their faces and put them under pressure,” said Hong Kong national coach Dai Rees. “This is the best performance in recent years against Japan and the guys can be very proud of themselves.”

Hong Kong’s second-half resurgence began with a lovely break from fullback Ross Armour, who made up for his first-half sin-binning, by slicing through the midfield and sending an inside pass to replacement winger Alex McQueen who scored under the posts.

Hong Kong then capitalised on Japanese errors to run in two more tries. The first came from openside flanker Mark Goosen, who picked up from a breakdown and took the direct route to the tryline catching the defence flatfooted. Then winger Rowan Varty turned on the speed when he picked up a dropped pass metres from his own line to run the length of the pitch and score.

A slip of the finger made this a black&white, but when you have to snap Rowan Varty gunning for the line, there are no second chances and you have to be ready! Thankfully I got the shot. (Pic: Mike Jansen)

“We took our chances. We had two 50-50 chances to score tries and we took them,” Rees said. “We had an unfortunate first half and were hard done by in contact areas, but all credit to the guys for coming back strongly.”

Hong Kong captain Tom McColl praised his side for the resilience showed against Japan who has dominated the tournament since it began in 2008.

“I’m really happy that we didn’t give up. The disappointing thing is that we couldn’t quite get the bonus point for scoring four tries. This was our goal before the game, to be in contention for a win at the end or to try and score four tries,” McColl said.

“We gave away a few early soft tries but then our defence picked up. What we proved today is that we can compete with Japan and this is a huge morale boost for the team,” McColl added.

Asian5Nations Standings

The United Arab Emirates 24-10 victory over Kazakhstan leaves them at the top of the standings with eight points after round two. Japan is in second place with six points but with a game in hand on the rest of the pack. Hong Kong lie third (five points) followed by Sri Lanka (three) and Kazakhstan (0).