They don't gamble here in the United Arab Emirates. At least not overtly, otherwise Hong Kong's ploy to use Simon Leung as a No.8 for today's opening game in the HSBC Asian Five Nations against the Arabian Gulf would probably go down as the last throw of the dice.
Normally a loosehead prop, Leung is unfazed at the challenge thrown at him by the coaching team of John Walters and Brian Higgins who have asked him to step into the shoes of the injured Semi Iafeta for the all-important first game in this inaugural tournament.
'I'm looking forward to it. The coaches have shown great confidence in me and picked me to start at No.8. It will be the first time that I will be playing in this position for Hong Kong. It doesn't worry me,' Leung said as he tucked into his breakfast of marmalade and toast at the plush resort hotel, 140km from Dubai.
'I have played in the back-row for Hong Kong Cricket Club on a couple of occasions, but it really doesn't matter where I play. The position is just a name for once you get out there, it's just 15 guys, all working towards one thing - winning,' said Leung.
The loss of captain Iafeta for the opening two matches in the four-game campaign has put head coach Walters under severe duress. Not wanting to lose bulk in the pack, he has decided to take a gambit and plump for the 110kg Leung.
'He has all the right physical attributes to play at No.8. He is a smart guy and the injury to Semi [Iafeta] has given us the opportunity to switch him to the back-row. We were looking for an excuse to play him there,' smiles Walters.