Japan's runaway 101-7 victory against Kazakhstan in the HSBC Asian Five Nations yesterday has given Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees renewed hope that his team can finish second in the Top Five competition and keep alive their World Cup dreams by qualifying for the repechage play-off against Uruguay.
Defending champions Japan steamrollered Kazakhstan in Tokyo in a 15-try rampage to all but ensure they would win this tournament for the third successive year, and book the automatic berth given to Asia at next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
The crushing defeat of Kazakhstan, as well as Friday's 21-19 win by the Arabian Gulf over South Korea in Dubai, has given fresh hope to Hong Kong, who will play Japan in their final outing on Saturday in Tokyo.
'These two results suited us perfectly,' Rees said. 'While we don't really worry about other results, the dynamics of these two outcomes benefit us. But right now all we are thinking of is to secure a bonus point against Japan.'
South Korea, who are without a win this season, know that to avoid relegation they will have to defeat Kazakhstan handsomely in their final outing on Saturday at home by scoring four or more tries to grab a bonus point.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan are in a strange position - they can either finish second by beating South Korea with a bonus point, or face relegation if the result is reversed. Hong Kong will be hoping for the latter outcome.
