Hong Kong on collision course with Japan in second leg of Asian Sevens Series
Gareth Baber’s in-form squad will need to up their game if they are to regain the regional crown
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Barring minor knocks to skipper Jamie Hood and winger Salom Yiu Kam-shing, Hong Kong emerged unscathed and on track to reach their second successive final at the Asian Sevens Series after finishing unbeaten on the opening day of the second leg in Malaysia.
Both Hood and Yiu sat out the second pool game on the opening day against the Philippines as Hong Kong keep them fresh for the knockout stages with a beefed up Japanese outfit looking their most likely opponent in the Cup final.
It was a good day’s work. Apart from the slight [injury] concerns over Jamie and Salom, we ticked off everything we wanted to achieve
"Japan are looking very good and have quality but we are not looking so far ahead as we have to get past our quarter-finals and semis first," said Hong Kong head coach Gareth Baber. "Japan have not been tested physically so far and it remains to be seen how they come through their early games, too."
Hong Kong breezed past Thailand, 45-0, and the Philippines 31-0, to underline their status as one of the best teams in the region. They ran in seven tries past the Thais - Rowan Varty scoring a hat-trick - and scored five in their second game highlighting the ease with which they overcame the smaller teams.
"It was a good day's work," said a pleased Baber.
"Apart from the slight concerns over Jamie and Salom, we ticked off everything we wanted to achieve although we were not as clinical as we could have been against the Philippines. They were very physical and tested us, but I was pleased with the way we held our line."