Hong Kong just one stage away from Rugby World Cup qualification after rare full-capacity stadium treated to Cook Islands demolition
The dream lives on as home team provide 2,750 delighted spectators a grand performance as they move closer to Japan
Hong Kong’s dreams of qualifying for their first-ever Rugby World Cup continues after a scintillating 51-0 shutout of the Cook Islands in leg two of the repechage play-off on Saturday evening. Hong Kong Football Club stadium reached its full-capacity – 2,750 – as the home fans start to believe.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a full house at the Football Club for an international before,” said coach Andrew Hall. “It was outstanding and we’re so pleased at the support we received today – a massive thanks to Hong Kong rugby fans.”
Having made the burdensome 25-hour trip to the Cook Islands for the first leg, which Hong Kong won 26-3, Leigh Jones’ men were adamant not to look past the Pacific Islanders until the final whistle.
“Now we officially can [look ahead to the repechage],” said Hall with a grin. “The challenges keep coming, they’ll enjoy this as they rightly should, and back to it towards the middle of July with all eyes on that next challenge; the dream lives on.”
Tries from Salom Yiu Kam-shing, Max Woodward, Jamie Hood, Alex Post and a sound kicking game by Matthew Roslee ensured another impressive display of dominance as Hong Kong muscled to a second clean sheet on the trot.