‘Massive’ win over South Korea has Hong Kong atop Asia Rugby Championship table
Jones’ charges perform well in the wind and rain to defeat the Koreans for their second away win in the competition in as many weeks to set up a grand finale at home
Hong Kong outlasted South Korea 30-21 on Saturday in a rain-drenched Incheon to complete a clean sweep of their away matches in the 2018 Asia Rugby Championship.
The victory, which coach Leigh Jones called a “massive win” post-match, lifts Hong Kong into sole possession of first place on the table (9 points), ahead of South Korea (5) and Malaysia (0) and sets Hong Kong up to finish with a massive home stand at the end of the month.
Hong Kong were frustrated by the conditions for a second week as the hoped for dry weather never materialised in Incheon with cold, wet and windy conditions throughout the match.
South Korea managed the conditions better, scoring three pretty tries to Hong Kong’s two, including two late tries that threatened Hong Kong’s dominance and left the hosts trailing by just one converted try (21-27) with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Given the high, swirling winds, flyhalf Matt Rosslee had a good day with the boot, converting six of seven penalty attempts and a single conversion to account for 20 of Hong Kong’s 30 points.
Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones was pleased with his charges’ performance, a week after the visitors trounced Malaysia in their opening game.
