Hong Kong’s men’s rugby team suffered a shocking defeat against Madagascar (21-19) and lost to Canada (21-12), placing them last in their pool at the HSBC SVNS Series. The team is now at risk of elimination, with their maximum placing in the tournament being ninth. Top positions will qualify for upcoming promotions, necessitating improved performance moving forward.
In Cape Town, the Hong Kong men’s rugby team faced a disheartening defeat, severely impacting their prospects in the HSBC SVNS Series. They lost 21-19 to the underdog Madagascar, followed by a 21-12 loss against Canada, leaving them at the bottom of their pool. As a result, their maximum achievable position in the tournament is ninth. Only the top four teams from the series, concluding in Krakow in April, will qualify for the Los Angeles promotion playoffs in May.
Paul John, head of Hong Kong sevens rugby, expressed disappointment over the team’s poor performance, particularly in the opening match against Madagascar. Despite a better showing in the second game against Canada, the initial loss left them in a precarious position. They must now fight for survival in the Challenger Series, which only allows the top eight teams from twelve to advance to the next leg of the tournament.
Coach Peter Jericevich had noted Madagascar as a lesser-known team prior to the tournament, but they proved formidable with a late comeback, including a decisive conversion after Hong Kong lost a player to a yellow card. The team initially took a strong lead with early tries from Jack Combes and Liam Herbert, but ultimately could not sustain their advantage.
Captain Cado Lee Ka-to led the team in the absence of injured player James Christie. The challenges they faced underscore the competitive nature of the series and the crucial need for Hong Kong to improve their performance to avoid elimination from the Challenger Series.
The Hong Kong men’s rugby team struggles in Cape Town have significantly jeopardized their hopes in the HSBC SVNS Series. With tough losses to Madagascar and Canada, they now find themselves at the bottom of their pool and facing elimination threats. Improving performance in the upcoming second leg is essential for their survival and hopes for promotion in the series.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
