Hong Kong Sevens line-up gives hosts best ever chance to reach World Series, says Rees
With long-time nemeses Japan out of the picture biggest stumbling blocks will be Spain, Russia, Tonga and South Korea
Asian champions Hong Kong have their best chance to qualify for the HSBC Sevens World Series, according to top official Dai Rees, after the 12-team qualifying tournament at the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens only threw up four main threats.
With long-time nemeses Japan out of the picture – they are now competing on the World Series after winning last year's qualifier in Hong Kong – Rees believes the biggest stumbling blocks will be European duo Spain and Russia, Oceania’s Tonga, and Asian rivals South Korea.
“These four teams will be our main threats to win that solitary berth,” said Rees, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union’s head of technical development and performance.
“I think we have a great opportunity, the best we have ever had, and I’m fairly confident we can make it.
“Last year we defeated Italy in pool competition, but then lost to them in the semi-finals on the final day. Spain has been part of the World Series and it will be interesting to see if the one-year break has affected their sevens programme,” Rees added.
I think we have a great opportunity, the best we have ever had, and I’m fairly confident we can make it