Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: Hong Kong’s men through to the semis after valiant showing against powerhouses France

Hong Kong’s Denmark scores superb consolation try as France overpower stubborn defence to lead the pool

France to face Samoa with Hong Kong up against in-form Ireland to compete for one remaining Tokyo Olympic place

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Hong Kong men’s rugby sevens player Max Denmark in a game against Chinese Taipei in the Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens qualification tournament at the Namdong Asiad Stadium, South Korea in 2019. Photo: Ike Images

Published: 9:15pm, 20 Jun 2021Updated: 9:42pm, 20 Jun 2021

Hong Kong’s men put on a brave showing in a 36-5 loss to powerhouses France in their final World Rugby Sevens Repechage pool B match in Monaco’s Stade Louis II on Sunday.

Coach Paul John’s side almost had a dream start after captain Max Woodward nearly capitalised on a loose cross-field pass. However, France got back into their offloading groove that saw them pummel Jamaica 40-0 and Chile 43-7 the previous day to allow Stephen Parez in for their first try.

A yellow card to Tarite Veredamu for slapping the ball out of Salom Yiu Kam-shing’s hands gave Hong Kong a momentary advantage but slick tries from Pierre Mignot and Paulin Riva on the restart gave them a 19-0 at the halfway point.

Jonathan Laugel scored an early try in the second despite Hong Kong putting up a stubborn defensive line, but it appeared that coach John’s passionate “leave everything on the pitch before we prepare for the next match” speech at half-time gave them a second wind.

Bulldozing substitute Max Denmark scored one of Hong Kong’s tries of the tournament after handing off Veredamu and Co on the halfway line before taking it all the way.

Hong Kong continued to keep France on their own 22-metre line, but the momentum again shifted after wing wizard Remi Siego skipped past the traffic to score a full-length try. Marvin O’Connor scored upon the restart to close the game.