Hong Kong Sevens: city’s men ‘hurting’ from Cape Town, told to fight for spots at Kai Tak
‘Anyone could take anyone’s place,’ captain James Christie says as coach Jevon Groves calls for response to Challenger Series exit
Places at next week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens are on the line for the city’s men’s rugby players after their head coach said on Wednesday that no position in his squad was safe.
Jevon Groves has challenged established names and young stars alike to step up and fight for spots in his 13-man roster to play at Kai Tak Stadium following Hong Kong’s embarrassing exit from the Challenger Series earlier this month.
A tough two weeks in Cape Town brought disappointment in successive series legs and their resulting elimination from contention for promotion to World Rugby’s elite-level circuit, the HSBC SVNS Series.
Low points in South Africa included a shock 24-10 loss to Madagascar, and a 19-17 defeat by Japan after leading 17-0 at half-time. Groves said it left everyone with a point to prove in training before their home tournament on March 28 to 30.
“We’re going to pick the 13 best players over these two weeks to go out there and play,” Groves said. “What we’ve got to look at is who’s playing well, who’s the most competitive, who’s going to come out on top over these two weeks and give them an opportunity next weekend.