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Paul Ryding

Hong Kong finally claimed a rugby gold medal on Saturday and the sense of relief was palpable after they handed pre-tournament favourites Japan a first Asian Games defeat in 12 years.
Japan, gold medallists at the last three editions, had gone 22 matches without a loss before they ran into a Ben Rimene-inspired juggernaut in the gold-medal match, going down 14-0.
The win secured Hong Kong’s eighth gold medal of these Games and provided a perfect finale to what has been an ultimately successful Games for Hong Kong.

In a much-delayed final, Japan provided predictably staunch opposition and were always a threat. But a superb rearguard effort from Hong Kong muzzled their powerful forwards.
Salom Yiu went over for Hong Kong after just one minute, 27 seconds, and on the stroke of half-time, impressive youngster Alessandro Nardoni burst through, with skipper Rimene converting both times.
The second-half was a tense affair and there was no further scoring as Hong Kong launched a stirring rearguard effort.
Coach Paul John paid tribute to their defensive performances on the final day against Japan and South Korea in the semi-final, who they defeated 19-7.
“The defence in the last two games has been absolutely superb,” John said, “that’s what won us the game there.
“Korea was my concern, they gave us a very, very tough game and I think that prepared us for Japan because, without firing on all cylinders, the boys have performed really, really well.
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John said there was weeks of preparation work in the build-up to the Games and commended his team on their efforts.
“The commitment from the boys has been superb over the last four to six weeks. It’s massive squad effort from everyone, including the staff.
“We’re just glad we finally get a gold medal. It’s great to get a tournament win. It’s great for Hong Kong rugby after all the hard work that goes in behind the scenes,” John added.

One player who showed the ultimate in commitment was Rimene, who gave up his New Zealand citizenship in order to go for gold in Jakarta.
“I made the sacrifice – there was no guarantee of even medalling, but I made it and I’m happy I made it,” Rimene said. “I’m not the most emotional person but I’m pretty happy.
“I’d just like to thank all the boys who trained with us back in Hong Kong and all our loved ones back home. They make a big sacrifice as well. This makes it all worth while.”
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The 33-year-old Rimene, who said before the tournament that he was targeting gold in Jakarta, reflected on the biggest achievement of his rugby career.
“It’s the second biggest multisport event in the world, so to say you’re a gold medallist in an event like that – especially from small town in Cambridge, New Zealand – probably not the thing you think you would be doing when you get to 33 years old.”
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Asian Games 2018

Asian Games: Hong Kong cap an incredible campaign with long-awaited rugby sevens gold on final night

The Hong Kong rugby sevens men’s team with their support staff after winning gold at the Asian Games. They beat nemesis Japan in the final in Jakarta. AFP

Hong Kong and Japan players reach out for the ball during the men's rugby sevens gold medal match of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta on September 1, 2018. (Photo by GOH Chai Hin / AFP)

Hong Kong's Alessandro Nardoni (C) runs for a try against Japan during their men's rugby sevens gold medal match of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta on September 1, 2018. (Photo by GOH Chai Hin / AFP)

The Hong Kong rugby 7 men's team celebrate with their gold medals celebrate at the award ceremony at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on September 1, 2018. (Photo by GOH Chai Hin / AFP)

Sport

Rugby

Hong Kong’s men save the best for last as they beat Japan to take the gold medal


Asian Games: Hong Kong cap an incredible campaign with long-awaited rugby sevens gold on final night

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Hong Kong’s men save the best for last as they beat Japan to take the gold medal

Hong Kong’s men save the best for last as they beat Japan to take the gold medal