HONGKONG revived their World Cup Sevens hopes with a thrilling 19-17 victory over Namibia after being crushed 40-5 by England in their opening match at Murrayfield yesterday.
Stuart Krohn was the Hongkong hero with a hat-trick of tries, his last two coming after the territory had trailed 7-17 with three minutes left.
Most of the big guns fired impressive opening salvoes, with favourites Fiji, newly-crowned Hongkong Sevens champions Western Samoa, New Zealand and South Africa all recording comfortable victories.
But the biggest shock came when Australia, semi-finalists in the Hongkong Sevens, were beaten 10-7 by Pool C opponents Tonga, the Plate winners in Hongkong last month.
Australia, who had earlier beaten Taiwan 28-0, need to win all their matches today to make sure of qualifying for the main Cup competition.
France are facing elimination from the Cup after Ireland beat them in a crucial Pool B encounter 17-7.