Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1794659/lineout-ace-adrian-griffiths-make-debut-hong-kong-against-south Fifteens
Line-out ace Adrian Griffiths to make his debut against South Korea
HKCC forward’s aerial skills will be key as Hong Kong bids to retain second place in Asia
Adrian Griffiths is set to play his first game for Hong Kong, on Saturday against South Korea. Photo: HKRFU
Line-out specialist Adrian Griffiths will win his first cap for Hong Kong in the win-or-bust Asia Rugby Championship encounter against South Korea in Incheon on Saturday.
Griffiths has just qualified to play for Hong Kong under World Rugby's three-year residency rule and head coach Andy Hall lost no time in calling up the lock forward for the clash, which will decide Asia's number two side.
"Adrian has just become eligible to represent Hong Kong and he will boost our line-out. His aerial skills are up there with the best, not only on our ball but defensively too," said Hall.
Griffiths, who plays for HKRFU Premiership league champions Leighton Asia HKCC, will also bring extra zip in the loose with Hall believing he can operate as a loose forward as well and dominate the breakdown, an area Hong Kong are hoping to control in their bid to overturn the 33-26 first-round loss to Korea and clinch second place behind Japan.
With this strategy in mind, Hall has opted for a six-two ratio between forwards and backs on the bench.
"We need extra legs in the forwards and that is why I have gone for this six-two split on the bench. We need to win, and win well if we are to remain number two in Asia," Hall said.
Griffiths will combine with Paul Dwyer in the second row, while the front row will comprise John Aikman, Lachlan Chubb and Jack Parfitt. Skipper Nick Hewson will be at number eight with Matt Lamming and Toby Fenn his flankers.
Cado Lee Ka-to and Ben Rimene will start again as the halves combination with Max Woodward and Jamie Hood in midfield. Salom Yiu Kam-shing returns on the left wing.