Hong Kong crush Philippines in 16-try Asian Five Nations opener
Hong Kong hammered the Philippines 108-0 to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a dream start on Saturday.
Hong Kong hammered the Philippines 108-0 to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a dream start on Saturday.
The 16-try rout highlights the huge gulf in quality in Asia and while it might not be the best preparation for Hong Kong as they look towards mounting a challenge against Japan, posting a century is not something to be sneezed at.
The Philippines were found wanting in all departments with Hong Kong's forwards, led admirably by Matt Lamming and Pale Tauti, steamrolling to a one-way victory in the opening game of the Asian Five Nations, which this year doubles up as the Asian qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup.
Hong Kong dominated all facets of the game - the set-pieces, the rucks, mauls and breakdowns - and used the abundance of possession to run in tries every which way possible.
It is easy in games like this to drop off at half-time but it was an 80-minute performance
Openside flanker Lamming had a hat-trick and lock Bill Brant and substitute centre Tom McColl grabbed a brace each.