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Japan far too hot for plucky Hong Kong

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While the rest of Japan went to the elections, their national rugby team went and stuffed Hong Kong at the 17th Asian Championships yesterday. Japan defeated Hong Kong 75-0 at a mostly empty Aomori Stadium on the outskirts of this sleepy fishing town.

The public voted with their feet, probably knowing that only South Korea can provide any opposition to their beloved Cherry Blossoms. 'Most of the crowd will turn up when Japan play Korea,' Koji Tokumasu, spokesman for the Japan Rugby Union, said.

The few who did turn up saw an exhibition of fleet-footed rugby from Japan who ran in 11 tries against a brave but simply outclassed Hong Kong outfit.

'They [Japan] are very skilful and very fast. We gave them too many opportunities and space,' coach Phil Campbell said.

Skipper Roger Patterson was more blunt. 'They are getting better while we are weaker across the board,' he said.

Patterson, 35, who had the captaincy hoisted on his shoulders after the last-minute pull-out of Paul Dingley, is most qualified to talk about Japan - it is his fourth Asian tournament and the 10th time that he has played Japan.

'The guys don't have to feel embarrassed by the defeat. Everyone gave it their best shot,' Patterson said.

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