‘We know we’re up against it,’ says Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph in battle against Racing 92 in Hong Kong

Hong Kong will get first look at the 2016 version of reigning Super Rugby champions the Highlanders when they take on French club Racing 92 in the Natixis Cup on Saturday, February 6.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is preparing his charges for their first match since the Super Rugby decider last July and is expecting a fierce contest at Siu Sai Wan stadium against a battle-hardened Racing 92 featuring New Zealand World Cup hero Dan Carter.

“Racing has been in top form in their competition in France so we know we’re up against it, given we haven’t played and they’re mid-season,” Joseph said. “But we’re really excited about the challenge.”

Joseph threw his support behind the concept of the Natixis Cup, one of the highlights of the Hong Kong rugby calendar.

Outside of the match itself, the chance to travel to Hong Kong has been the cause of much anticipation for Joseph and his team.

“It’s extremely special because a lot of our players haven’t been to Hong Kong, so the setting for such a great game of footy is especially exciting,” Joseph said.

“As a player coming from Japan down to Hong Kong for the 10-a-side tournaments over the years, it’s always been a great city to play rugby. For me to be able to take a team to Hong Kong is just a really good opportunity for us.”