Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) U20s plays the USA to determine 7th and 8th place on Sunday 30th July 2023 in the U20 World Rugby Trophy in Kenya.
Following their close 22-16 loss to Kenya in the final pool play round of the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023 in Nairobi, HKCR has a last chance to seek an elusive win at this level. They have come close against both the hosts and Samoa but small mistakes have cost the young side at vital moments in the Trophy tournament.
Hong Kong China U20s coach Logan Asplin said after the loss; “One of the big things today for us was our execution, and we didn’t quite get that right, but that Kenyan defence was outstanding. We created opportunities, but we didn’t take enough of them,” added Asplin.
For the USA, he added: “USA now on Sunday, and obviously we will be out to finish on top of that game. They are a class outfit; well prepared and well resourced, but there is everything to play for in our last game. This current squad will never be together again, so we have one last dance to have a go. The boys will be hurting and upset after today, but we just want to reload and go again, that is what campaigns like this are all about,” he added.
The two sides have faced each other twice previously with the USA winning both times. HKCR come into the match with some unfavourable stats; they are the lowest points scorers in the tournament (27) and have conceded the second most tries in the tournament (16) behind Zimbabwe.
The HKCR captain Tyler Mcnutt, who has been outstanding in periods of matches said, “There is so much progress for this group from training camp to today. We have learned a lot, as a team and as individuals – and not just rugby, we have learned how to grow and be resilient. It is all around growth not just on the pitch.”
For the USA, they have made five changes to the starting XV, while three players have switched positions. O’Kennedy steps into the Captaincy, as Dominic Besag was called up to the Men’s Eagles touring squad. Hong Kong China has made just two changes to their starting XV from the last round.
Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe) is the match referee.
Final Round – U20 Trophy Tournament 2023
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has introduced highly subsidised ticketing for the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament to encourage fans to attend the final matches in Nairobi.
At the top end, Uruguay and Spain will contest for the title and promotion to the U20 Championship 2024 which is already to be confirmed to take place in South Africa. Japan has been relegated from the top tier. Scotland and Samoa, who were some people’s favourites to be in the final, will play earlier in the day at Nyayo National Stadium followed by Kenya versus Zimbabwe.
Attending the finals will be former Springbok and RWC 2019 winner Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira and recently elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah who is the official representative of World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament.
Image Credit: Kenya Rugby Union
World Rugby U20 Trophy – 7/8th Place Playoff
Hong Kong China Squad versus USA – 30 July 2023
1. SAM MARTIN; 2. DEWI SIMONS; 3. DAVID BENNETT; 4. CIARAN DELANEY; 5. GLENN HUI; 6. DOM HEDLEY; 7. MARCO CONTI; 8. TYLER MCNUTT (C); 9. CAMILL CHEUNG; 10. OLIVER PYLE; 11. JOSH EUSTACE; 12. JAMIE BLAIR; 13. MAX THRELKELD; 14. JOE DENMARK; 15. DYLAN MCCANN; 16. JOSH BAILEY; 17. IZAC MANU; 18. BILLY RIGBY; 19. THEO MAG; 20. FRITZ MAHN; 21. MATTHEW RICKARD; 22. BLAKE ELLIOT; 23. CHARLES WARREN
USA squad versus Hong Kong China – 30 July 2023
Image Credit: USA Rugby
How To Watch the 2023 World Rugby U2o Trophy
All matches will be streamed live on Rugby Africa and Kenya Rugby social platforms.
Rugby 2023 Tournament News
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