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Remarkable turnaround boosts RWC 2027 qualifiers Hong Kong China
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In the space of a week, Hong Kong China’s men’s team have bounced back from an 80-0 defeat at the hands of a Japan Select XV to beating them 33-29.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup first-time qualifiers fielded a much stronger squad in the rematch in Fukuoka but not many people would have predicted an 84-point swing in their favour before kick-off.
The result sees the Asian champions split the two-match series 1-1 as preparations crank up ahead of the team’s Rugby World Cup debut in Australia next year.
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Having conceded two tries in the first quarter, it looked ominous for the visitors. But Charles Higson-Smith, one of the new additions to the squad, put Hong Kong China on the scoreboard for the first time on tour with a try in the 25th minute.
Tom Hill’s try and Paul Altier’s conversion ensured Hong Kong China led at the break, 12-10.
The second-half was a yo-yo affair with the lead regularly changing hands. Captain Josh Hrstich made amends for being sent to the sin-bin with a try on his return, and Tyler McNutt and Harry Sayers crossed late on to secure a morale-boosting win.
“It was big for us to get the win at the last minute like that against another quality Japan Select side. We always learn a lot when we are away in high-pressure, high-performance environments like this, and this past week has been no different. Today was a performance we can build off as we head into the Nations Cup,” Hrstich afterwards.
Hong Kong China open their Nations Cup campaign against Samoa on Saturday 4 July in Santiago before taking on Chile and Uruguay, on 11 and 18 July, respectively.
