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SCMP Reporter

Hong Kong claimed third place overall at the Thailand Sevens in Bangkok on Sunday after losing a gripping semi-final to Japan 24-19 that went to extra-time.
Hong Kong's 33-7 win over Sri Lanka in the third place play-off leaves them tied fourth on the Asian Rugby Sevens Series table with one event remaining next month in Sri Lanka.
Hong Kong and Sri Lanka are both on 18 points after two series events, with Japan, South Korea and China ahead of them on 24, 21 and 19 points, respectively.

Hong Kong brushed aside Malaysia in their Cup quarter-final, winning 33-0 to book their place in the last four against Japan.
In the semi-final, Japan took the lead with Teruya Goto scoring his sixth try of the tournament and jumping ahead 7-0 after captain Katsuyuki Sakai converted. Hong Kong were rewarded early on for their grit with a try in the sixth minute.
Alex McQueen took the quick tap and run, but was brought down at the try-line, only for Michael Coverdale to collect the ball and crash over from in close. Hood's conversion was off target, but Hong Kong narrowed the gap to 5-7.
Captain Max Woodward touched down to give Hong Kong their first lead, 12-7. Japan's Jamie Henry found space from the kick-off and marched the ball 50 metres upfield.

A try-saving tackle from Rowan Varty was not enough as Japan's superior numbers in the attack put towering forward Lote Tuqiri into space out wide.
Tuqiri shrugged off a last-gasp tackle from Salom Yiu Kam-shing to even the score at 12-12. Hood then crashed over from five metres out, giving Hong Kong a 19-12 lead after his own conversion.
Japan threw everything at Hong Kong in the waning minutes. Henry eventually forced the overlap in the defence to stream upfield and offloaded to Goto for his second try. The conversion levelled the score at 19-19 and sent the match into extra time.
Capitalising on acres of space, Japan crossed over in the 16th minute to win 24-19. They then went on to defeat South Korea 45-7 in the final, keeping their stranglehold on the season.


Dream becomes reality for Hong Kong men’s sevens captain Max Woodward

Hong Kong men’s team handed ‘best possible’ draw for Olympic qualifiers

Heat-of-moment decisions will decide who goes to Rio Olympics, says Hong Kong sevens coach Gareth Baber

Hong Kong men and women build momentum as all-powerful Japan complete Sri Lanka Sevens double

Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2015

Hong Kong lose gripping semi-final against Japan in Thailand Sevens

Hong Kong's Rowan Varty is tackled by a pair of Japanese players in their Cup semi-final at the Thailand Sevens. Photos: Asia Rugby

Japan's Jamie Henry stops Salom Yiu Kam-shing from scoring for Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong captain Max Woodward tries to bring down Japan's Luke Thompson. 

Sport

Rugby

HK Sevens

Bauhinias are third overall in Thailand tournament after thrilling clash against arch rivals in sweltering heat of Bangkok


Hong Kong claimed third place overall at the Thailand Sevens in Bangkok on Sunday after losing a gripping semi-final to Japan 24-19 that went to extra-time.


Hong Kong lose gripping semi-final against Japan in Thailand Sevens

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Bauhinias are third overall in Thailand tournament after thrilling clash against arch rivals in sweltering heat of Bangkok

Bauhinias are third overall in Thailand tournament after thrilling clash against arch rivals in sweltering heat of Bangkok