Hong Kong’s women’s team left it late to defeat a stubborn Madagascar 19-12 in their second game of the World Rugby Sevens Repechage pool C match on Saturday. It was a nightmare start for coach Iain Monaghan’s side after multiple handling errors allowed for two quick tries by Veronique Rasoanekena to take an early lead at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. Madagascar captain Laurence Rasoananorasana’s yellow card for dangerous play opened the game back up but a jittery Hong Kong failed to fully capitalise. It was only until Jess Ho finished a run by co-captain Natasha Olson-Thorne that they started to claw back at the half-time mark. Olson-Thorne appeared to be substituted off in discomfort after the exchange. Too close for comfort that one 😅 They did it tough, but @HongKongRugby got their second win of the day Watch live: https://t.co/DmGlbh69bJ #Rugby7s | #RoadToTokyo pic.twitter.com/0cMMthtjbE — World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 19, 2021 Hong Kong continued their wide passing strategy but again struggled to make use of their high possession percentage. With just one and a half minutes to go, Stephanie Chan Chor-ki helped take the lead for the first time in the game after being awarded a penalty try, with previous scorer Rasoaneka sin-binned for a high tackle. Hui Man-ling sealed the comeback win in the final seconds, sparing Hong Kong a few blushes in a game that they were widely expected to win comfortably. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asia Rugby (@asiarugbylive) Makis coach Eric Randrianarison will be pleased with his team’s return having lost to France earlier in the day. The former 2016 Rio Olympics repechage entrants remain joint-bottom of the pool. Hong Kong join France on six points in the group, with the tournament favourites sitting on top through points difference after a 47-0 win over Colombia. That could change when the pair meet in their final pool match on Sunday. Meet our African Captains involved in The World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco this weekend! 🏉 We would like to wish @TUNISIARUGBY , @MalagasyRugby and @ZimRugbyUnion all the best! #WhyWePlay #RugbyAfrica #Olympics #RugbySevens #RiseOfWomensRugby #RoadToTokyo #AfricaAsOne pic.twitter.com/vSjm12VUlc — Rugby Afrique (@RugbyAfrique) June 18, 2021