Rugby World Cup: Hong Kong a step closer to Japan 2019 as ‘freak accident’ fails to halt charge in Cook Islands
Hong Kong dominate Cook Islands in Rarotonga and will take 26-3 lead back for home leg of qualifier, despite losing Jamie Tsang to injury before kick-off
It was labelled the city’s most important game in rugby history and Hong Kong did not disappoint, defeating the Cook Islands 26-3 in Rarotongaon Sunday.
Leigh Jones’ men return home with a healthy lead despite the 18-hour time difference and last-minute alterations before the game.
The teams meet in Hong Kong for the second leg on July 7, with the aggregate winner moving into a four-team repechage. The repechage winner secures a spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, its inaugural Asia event.
“It was an outstanding performance,” Welshman Jones said. “To come out here and put 20-odd points [against] the team they had out there is magnificent. I don’t get overly excited about things but it was a historic day for Hong Kong. It was a tough game and a hell of a win.
“There was a freak accident before the game – Jamie Tsang strained his neck and had to pull out. Young [Alexander Post] had to come in after five or six training sessions and what an outstanding performance he had; it was almost seamless out there,” Jones added.