New-look Korea aim to win some respect
South Korea hope to spearhead the Asian attack this weekend but head coach Song No-il will have his work cut out stringing together a 'brand new side'.
The Asian Games champions are in the process of rebuilding after losing their coach and several top players following the World Cup last year. They were further handicapped after veterans Yoo Min-suk and Lee Kwang-moon were forced out by injury.
But the Koreans have boosted their depth with speedsters Chae Jae-young and debutant Jo In-soo under the experienced captaincy of Chun Jong-man.
'We are currently in a transitional stage. We are changing blood, so we have brought a brand new side to Hong Kong this year,' Song said. 'It is a very young team but I hope the boys will get stuck in, have a go and come out with their heads held high.'
The Koreans face Australia, France and Sri Lanka in pool E from which they hope to emerge with a place in the Plate competition.
'It really depends on what happens between France and Australia,' said Song. 'But we hope to put in a strong performance against Sri Lanka, stay competitive against the stronger sides and hope for the best.'
Despite their status as one of the top Asian sides, the Koreans remain largely unknown among other host nations in the IRB Sevens Series.
'Nobody invites us so we never get to go,' said Song. 'But if we do well in this competition then we might be able to participate in other tournaments as well and build up our experience.'
