Hong Kong ‘must hit ground running’ after Asian Games draw unveiled
Every game will count for squad who face China, Philippines and Pakistan in pool B
Hong Kong will have to give "their max" to win Asian Games rugby sevens gold after the draw for the men's competition unveiled a complex format where teams are seeded again after the preliminary round in the 12-team tournament.
The three-day event will be a hectic affair for Jamie Hood and his men in Incheon, after the Asian Rugby Football Union on Saturday revealed the draw which has Hong Kong grouped in pool B with China, the Philippines and Pakistan.
Japan, defending Asian Games gold medallists, are in pool A alongside Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, while the final grouping, pool C, is headed by hosts South Korea with Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Lebanon.
There is no room to relax. In the past we have had teams coasting until the knockout stages, but this time ... they will have to give it their all from day one
Minnows Pakistan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia were expected to play in a repêchage competition to decide which two would enter the main competition, but India pulled out at the last minute.
After the first two days of action, teams will be reseeded from one to eight for the knockout quarter-finals with number one playing eight, number two playing seven and so on.
Hong Kong will not be able to rest in the group stage with maximum points and top seeding the goal to avoid Japan or Korea - who on paper and this season's Asian Sevens Series form should finish two and three - until the final.