Hong Kong make it tough for Russia before conceding series

Hong Kong showed they would not be out of place if a second-tier World Cup was established as they ran Russia ragged before losing 39-27 to give the visitors a clean sweep of the two-test series and the Ustinov Cup at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday.

For 10 magnificent minutes, early in the second half, Hong Kong's dangerous backs showed what damage they could do if they had enough possession as they ran in three spectacular tries to come within two points of Russia, who had led 29-10 at half-time. Sadly that comeback couldn't last, not when Hong Kong were living off scraps.

But that passage of play, with tries to Rowan Varty, Max Woodward and Tom McQueen, has infused self-belief into the team with stand-in captain Paul Dwyer, who had a towering performance, believing that Hong Kong wouldn't just be making up numbers if a World Cup for teams ranked below 20 was held as has been suggested.

"We showed we can match teams ranked like us where things can go either way. It is about the bounce of the ball. We controlled the game for long periods like they did and we are disappointed we didn't get the result. Our performance has stepped up, ultimately," said Dwyer.

But Hong Kong's control was tenuous, especially in the set pieces where Russia dominated as they did in the 31-10 first test victory last weekend. And yesterday's match mirrored the opening game with Russia off to a flier in the first half scoring four tries before Hong Kong came back strongly in the second period.

"We got a bit of a tune-up by the coaches at half-time. We simply didn't show up for long periods in the first half, but the boys dug in and came off with a flier in the second period," Dwyer said.