In a thrilling display of rugby prowess, Hong Kong China emerged victorious over a determined South Korean side, securing their fourth consecutive Asia Rugby Men’s Championship title.
The reigning champions showcased their dominance once again, building on their recent 88-9 triumph against Malaysia. However, youthful South Korea, with six new faces in their squad, posed a formidable challenge throughout the match, resulting in an enthralling showdown that captivated fans.
Right from the kick-off, Hong Kong China asserted its authority, swiftly establishing a 13-3 lead by halftime. The team, backed by home support, exhibited their expertise and demonstrated why they have been the team to beat in the tournament for the past four years.
A standout performer for Hong Kong China was hooker Alex Post, who proved to be an unstoppable force in the rolling maul. With three powerful touchdowns, Post showcased his exceptional skill set, bringing his total try count for the series to an impressive five, having previously scored twice against Malaysia. His contributions were pivotal in securing the much-needed points for his team.
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Despite Hong Kong China’s early dominance, South Korea’s forwards showcased their strength, engaging in fierce battles in the scrums and keeping the game tightly contested. The third quarter witnessed a spirited resurgence from South Korea, as they showed their determination and controlled large portions of possession and opponents’ territory. However, they struggled to breach Hong Kong China’s formidable defence.
Amidst the intense back-and-forth, South Korea’s persistence paid off in the 65th minute when they executed a skilful chip and chase, resulting in a well-deserved try. This narrowed the margin to 18-10, injecting a new wave of excitement into the match.
Undeterred by South Korea’s resurgence, Hong Kong China quickly regrouped and launched a counterattack. Although a try initially seemed imminent, it was disallowed after a meticulous video review. Nevertheless, Hong Kong China remained relentless, responding just a minute later with yet another driving maul that saw Post complete his hat-trick, pushing the lead to a commanding 23-10.
As the clock ticked down, Hong Kong China sealed their victory with a penalty try, putting an end to South Korea’s valiant efforts. The final score stood at an impressive 30-10, cementing Hong Kong China’s status as the reigning champions of the Asia Rugby Championship.
This thrilling encounter marked a significant milestone for Hong Kong China, as it signalled the return of men’s test matches to their home ground after a hiatus since 2019. The team’s impressive performance, coupled with their positive points differential of 99 points from the two games, demonstrated their unwavering commitment and determination to maintain their dominance in Asian rugby.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai was at the match to witness the final and support the players he commented“Asia Rugby Men’s Championship final is a culmination of immense talent, dedication, and passion for rugby in the region. As we witness the clash of giants on the field, we celebrate the growth and success of Rugby in Asia, we have seen a renewed interest in rugby.”
He further added “This final is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all the teams involved, and we are proud to witness such a thrilling showcase of the sport, and I congratulate the Hong Kong China team on the win and Korea for a valiant contest” He conculded “We at Asia Rugby are working with World Rugby to introduce a more exciting and meaningful structure for Asia Rugby Championship from 2024 and beyond“
Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2023
Game 1 Korea 27 v 3 Malaysia
Link to game
Game 2 Hong Kong China 88 v 9 Malaysia
Link to Game
Game 3 Hong Kong China v Korea
Link to Game
