World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series: rampant Hong Kong march into semi-final following try blitz
- Hong Kong’s men complete a perfect pool stage then beat Tonga in a dominant quarter-final performance, but a stern physical test awaits
- Women’s team suffer agonising late last-eight defeat by Uganda, after revenge victory over Papua New Guinea
Hong Kong’s men maintained their perfect winning record to set up an intriguing semi-final clash with Kenya at the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series event in Uruguay.
Head coach Jevon Groves’ team, who beat Japan and Chile on the opening day, trounced Mexico 39-0 in their closing group game before making light work of Tonga in a one-sided quarter-final in the early hours of Sunday, Hong Kong time.
The city’s women’s side, however, suffered late heartbreak in their last-eight meeting with Uganda, after completing their pool fixtures with victory over Papua New Guinea.
Groves’ side have responded to the disappointment of a quarter-final defeat by Germany in Dubai, in January’s opening Challenger Series stop. In Montevideo, they began by crushing Asian rivals Japan before securing a five-point win over Dubai finalists Chile.
Mexico had no answer to their power and speed on day two, with six different players scoring tries in a 39-0 success as Hong Kong topped their pool.
After notching 100 points in their three group matches, Hong Kong added another 26 against Tonga. Max Denmark crossed for his fifth try of the tournament, while Cado Lee Ka-to touched down twice and there was a score for Liam Herbert as Groves’ side completely dominated.