Hong Kong on target to win sevens tournament in India
Rees’ warriors in good shape and unbeaten after opening day in Mumbai
It was at the historic 138-year-old Bombay Gymkhana that Hong Kong enjoyed their finest moment in sevens rugby last year when they were crowned Asian champions after beating Japan in the Cup final. Hong Kong will be hoping that’s a good omen as they try to hang on to their crown at the same venue on Sunday.
“We hope this is our lucky ground. We have fond memories of it from last year and it would be great if we can repeat by reaching the final and winning it,” said Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees after the opening day of the third leg of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, the India Sevens, ended with his team unbeaten and on course for another clash with Japan in the final.
Two workmanlike wins over China, 40-5, and Malaysia, 36-12, set up a Cup quarter-final clash against Singapore.
That should not be a problem for Jamie Hood and his men. Even the expected semi-final, against either Sri Lanka or the Philippines doesn’t present much danger but then comes the problem – Hong Kong have lost to Japan in the finals of the first two legs.
There are no injury worries and everyone is hungry for victory
Winning in Mumbai is crucial for Hong Kong’s hopes of retaining their crown, and despite the poor track record this season, Rees was confident his side had turned the corner.