Captain Christy Cheng calls for ‘all-out effort’ as Hong Kong women face Japan
Hosts aim to scrub memories of opening Asia Women’s Rugby Championship loss to Kazakhstan
Hong Kong face surprise package Japan in the finale of the Asia Women’s Rugby Championship at Aberdeen Stadium on Saturday and one thing is for sure – they won’t be repeating their error from the Almaty opener when they played, and lost to, Kazakhstan.
Coach Chris Garvey said the players are anxious to forget that opening 40-0 reversal in the Kazakhstan capital, and he believes the squad are learning and growing all the time.
“We thought we were ready for Kazakhstan, but in our first international game for over a year we badly underestimated a side that plays in the World Cup. It was a very pointed reminder that we need to be better in all departments,” Garvey said.
“Since that game, we have markedly upped the intensity of our training, and I am asking more of the girls individually. When each player gives their personal best, the team comes together and we can perform at this level.”
It’s going to be a very tough game, no doubt about it, but if all our preparations come through we can compete.
Japan are looking imposing after notching a historic 27-12 win over Kazakhstan two weeks ago in Fukuoka in a match in which they never trailed.