Remarkable turnaround boosts RWC 2027 qualifiers Hong Kong China

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.

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.