Persistent Hong Kong finally on the board at the Women’s Rugby World Cup with two tries in 39-15 loss to Wales
Natasha Olson-Thorne and Chong Ka-yan find the line as Jo Hull’s side take it up to their 10th-ranked opponents before fading late
Hong Kong’s determination and positivity were finally rewarded at the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Thursday, with Jo Hull’s side scoring two tries in a fighting 39-15 loss to Wales in Dublin.
Hull’s claims that her side made significant strides in huge losses to Canada and New Zealand proved on the money as Hong Kong genuinely looked the better side at times during the first hour.
While 10th-ranked Wales took the upper hand in the last quarter of the match and pulled away, tries to Natasha Olson-Thorne and Chong Ka-yan ensured Hong Kong will take something away from the pool stages.
“We asked the players to bounce back, we had to make our mark today and I think we did,” Hull said. “We showed potentially what we can do with the ball in hand. The first two games really prepared us well for the physicality of what Wales brought to us today.”
Adding weight to Hong Kong’s performance is the fact Wales were by no means embarrassed in their losses to New Zealand (44-12) and Canada (15-0).
Hong Kong will go to Belfast for the second stage of the tournament with renewed confidence, with Spain up next for Hull’s side as they battle it out for ninth place.