Defence proves key as Hong Kong hang on to beat Portugal

Hong Kong ground out a gutsy 13-6 win over Portugal, thanks to a second-half try from replacement winger Jamie Robinson, to remain unbeaten in the Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.

Russia also kept their undefeated record intact, demolishing Zimbabwe 50-5 to state their case as the team to beat in the tournament.

Hong Kong looked the more dangerous side in the early going, neutralising Portugal's scrum playing the smarter rugby to retain possession for large periods.

Portugal took the early lead with a penalty from fullback Duarte Marques. Hong Kong fly-half Ben Rimene kicked a penalty in the 20th minute and added another in the 30th minute to give Hong Kong a 6-3 half-time lead.

Portugal brought on their big guns in the forwards for the second half and the hosts took some time to adjust to the physical test with massive prop Mike Tadjer causing havoc.

Duarte slotted a penalty to level the scores at 6-6 after 42 minutes.

Hong Kong flanker Toby Fenn was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle in the 50th minute, but despite being a man down the locals rose to the occasion to defend well.

In the 63rd minute, replacement winger Robinson capped off multiple phase attacks to score the only try of the match. Niall Rowark's conversion was good and Hong Kong hung on to their 13-6 lead for the remaining 15 minutes.