Hong Kong wary of South Korean backlash

Hong Kong can expect a huge backlash as a young and hurting South Korean team aim to make a strong statement in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five competition at Football Club today.

Korean rugby's self-esteem nosedived two years ago when they were relegated from the elite group. To make matters worse, while they were battling to gain promotion last year, their long-standing No2 position in Asia, behind Japan, was taken by Hong Kong.

South Korea captain and blindside flanker Youn Kwon-woo yesterday labelled this encounter a 'new start' for his country.

'Being demoted from the Top Five was a huge blow for us and we are determined to make amends for that. Hopefully this is a new start for Korean rugby. We are determined to win,' said Youn, who will be making his captaincy debut.

South Korea coach Seo Chun-oh, who played as a centre in the mid-1980s when Korea frequently defeated Japan in the now-defunct biennial Asiad, said the demotion had served as a wake-up call for people back home.

'I think it was a blessing in disguise. We had become complacent and the relegation was a tough but very important lesson for us,' Seo said. 'Our ego was hurt. We were the No2 in Asia for a long time and we want to win that back. It is a new beginning for Korean rugby.'