The national 15s Hong Kong rugby team ended their 2019 European tour with a 29-17 loss to higher ranked Spain on the weekend. The HK men had beaten Belgium 37-17 in their other game on tour.
Hong Kong vs Spain 2019 rugby result
This was the first competitive 15s rugby game between the two nations and it was played on a day to mark the 20th anniversary of Spain reaching the RWC (Rugby World Cup) in 1999, the only time they have managed that feat.
Spain was considered favourites, playing at home and being higher ranked according to World Rugby, and after a tough first half, led at the break 17-0.
Photo Credit: Federación Española de Rugby
HK managed to hold their own better in the second half and neutralise some of Spain’s physical dominance and at the set pieces. However, the hosts managed to add a 3rd try in the 65th minute through Lucas Guillaume. It was near the end of the game that Hong Kong managed to get on the scoreboard, with a try in the 77th minute thanks to scrumhalf Bryn Phillips. Spain added one more score in the 80th minute to seal the win.
HK coach Andrew Hall said of the game “It was a fair result and Spain deserved to win; having said that, we left points on the pitch with a few missed opportunities early on that would have made for a tighter game.”
HK was using the tour in preparation for their next Rugby World Cup qualification attempt and build and blood new players in the squad. “If we were a year out from Rugby World Cup qualification, we would be quite disappointed with this result, but we have now set ourselves a solid baseline for the group and have three years to continue improving.”
Hong Kong Women’s 15s Europe 2019 tour
The HK ladies will kick off their two-match test series against the Netherlands in Amsterdam today on the 26th November with the 2nd game on 30th November 2019. The HK ladies are preparing for their own Rugby World Cup Qualifying campaign which starts in 2020.
The Saturday game is said to be streamed but you call follow the Netherlands Rugby FB for more information.
HK 2019 Women’s Fixtures
- 26th November: Netherlands vs Hong Kong (Amsterdam, Holland)
- 30th November: Netherlands vs Hong Kong (Amsterdam, Holland)
Other reads on Rugby in Asia
- Korean men clinch 7s rugby Olympic qualification.
- Read about the new Asia Rugby EXCO and the challenges in Asia.
- The Japanese ladies complete unbeaten Euro tour 2019.
- Read about the upcoming SEA Games this December which includes rugby sevens.
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