Rugby World Cup 2019: ‘Japan have lit up the tournament’ – Hong Kong’s top players offer thoughts on tournament so far

Recently retired Hong Kong national team player Nick Hewson is good at pointing out the obvious. So far, the Rugby World Cup 2019 has produced a match for the ages, and we aren’t even out of the group stage.

“Japan have lit up the tournament with their overhaul of Ireland,” said the 35-year-old about the Cherry Blossoms’ 19-12 win over World Rugby’s number-one ranked team heading into the tournament. “Jamie Joseph’s quote after stating they had been thinking about that game for quite a while was great.”

As the World Cup rages on, many of Hong Kong’s top players find themselves cheering for various nations, given the city’s international vibe. Hewson, who hails from New Zealand, said there has already been two upsets of note, the other being Uruguay downing Fiji 30-27 on September 25 in pool D.

National team member Tyler Spitz, who was born in Hong Kong and raised primarily in Australia, noted the upsets signal a shift in international rugby that bodes well for their programme.

“With the likes of Uruguay getting a result over Fiji, even after the show Fiji put on early against Australia and then Japan beating Ireland in a nail-biter, it’s clear that the standard of rugby in lower-tier nations is drastically improving,” said the 29-year-old back. “Gone are the days where only five or six teams could ever win, we are now seeing these gaps bridged and it’s making for one hell of an event.”

Spitz said even a powerhouse nation like Australia is going to have to win some tough battles to make it out of the pool stage. The Wallabies take on Uruguay on Saturday at 1.15pm. Every match during the World Cup is being shown live at the official fanzone in Hong Kong, which is near the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The event offers free admission, but space is limited. After Uruguay, the Aussies will come up against Georgia on October 11.

“They are expected to get through their next two pool games, but [judging by] some of the results so far, anything could happen,” said Spitz, who got his first cap for Hong Kong back in 2014 during the Ustinov Cup against Russia. “Hopefully, they are able to string together some fuller performances and much-needed confidence heading into the finals.”

Winger Conor Hartley, who hails from England and got his first cap for Hong Kong in 2017 during the Cup of Nations against Russia, said his hometown boys were doing well so far. The Eddie Jones-led squad smashed Tonga 35-3 in their opening match and beat USA handily 43-7.

The squad features a few rising stars, including 23-year-old hooker Jack Singleton and 24-year-old prop Ellis Genge along with captain and kicking stalwart George Ford, who is only 26.

“England are putting in some sound performances,” said the 27-year-old Hartley. “I’m really excited to see the younger players coming through and tearing it up.”

Hong Kong’s national team coach, Andrew Hall, also weighed in. The 15-a-side boss, who took over from Leigh Jones earlier this year, said watching teams his men have played against recently gives him hope. Hong Kong narrowly missed out on qualifying for Japan and now look to France in 2023 as their chance to break through to the big dance.

“It’s reassuring to see Uruguay get the victory and indeed Russia proving they’re no pushovers. Both teams have been Hong Kong opponents in recent years, so work to be done but we’re not far away.”

Hartley said watching the matches is an excellent motivator for his squad.

“It gives me even more motivation to put in the work and effort for the next World Cup, and wanting to be there competing next time instead of just watching on the TV.”