Hong Kong are up to two places to 25th in the rankings after their six-try, 43-17 away win against Korea in Yesan came with a 1.8-point reward. Korea drop one to 29th.
The victory also gives Hong Kong the advantage in the tussle for second place in the Asia Rugby Championship ahead of the final round on Saturday. They are now on five points in the overall standings with Korea stuck on one.
Jamie Hood converted tries from James Cunningham, Tyler Spitz and Lex Kaleca as Hong Kong built up a 21-0 lead before Korea got a score of their own on 36 minutes through Kim Gwong Min. Hood, however, ensured Hong Kong had the final say of the first half with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Yiu Kam-shing secured the try bonus point for Hong Kong three minutes after the break before Spitz scored his second try of the match, and third of the championship, shortly thereafter to put the game well and truly to bed. Winger Ally Maclay outsprinted the defence for Hong Kong’s sixth, and Hood’s only unsuccessful conversion attempt of the day left the score at 43-5.
Korea came back to score two tries in the final quarter and briefly threatened to collect the bonus point, but Hong Kong’s defence held strong, leaving the final score at 43-17.
Asia Rugby Championship
Hong Kong V South Korea
Date: 03 Jun
KO: 16:07 (+8GMT)
Venue: Hong Kong Football Club – Hong Kong
Watch it live
In Hong Kong and Asia: www.RugbyPass.com
In New Zealand Rugby TV C64 Sky NZ
Rest of the World: Asia Rugby Livewww.Facebook.com/Asia.Rugby
