Hong Kong receive rude awakening at hands of Samoa in Nations Cup demolition
Pacific Islanders were rattling along at a point a minute at one stage of the 66-19 hammering in the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile
Hong Kong got a brutal introduction to Test rugby at a higher level in Chile on Saturday, ending up on the wrong side of an 11-try mauling at the hands of Samoa.
The Pacific Islanders got their Nations Cup off to a flying start, wrapping up a four-try bonus point inside 20 minutes, and were rattling along at a point a minute at one stage of the 66-19 hammering in the National Stadium in Santiago.
Looking for a major reset, after a winless 2025 in which they averaged fewer than 21 points a game, the Samoans were relentless from the moment Tuna Tuitama crossed for their opening score in the first minute.
Warren Solomona scored twice on his debut in the centres, and there were further tries from Aki Seiuli, Miracle Faiilagi, Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, Iakopo Petelo-Mapu, Connor Tupai and Elisapeta Alofipo. AJ Alatimu added 16 points with the boot.
Hong Kong, who are ranked just three places below their opponents, trailed 38-7 at half-time, with the city side earning a penalty try in the 28th minute. Marcus Ramage and Harry Sayers scored tries after the break, while Paul Altier kicked one conversion.
“I can not say it was a good team performance as we would not be sitting 40 points in arrears, but I think everyone had their bright elements,” Logan Asplin, the Hong Kong head coach, told the Hong Kong China Rugby website.