Opinion | Sun shines on day one action, but Hong Kong fail to sparkle
Unexpected loss was a bitter blow for the newly-professional hosts, but win keeps World Series dream alive
Early Friday afternoon is for Zimbabwe and Tonga and Uruguay and Mexico and Spain and Guyana. But for all the things Friday afternoon is, the one thing it should not be is Brazil beating Hong Kong.
The locals looked like they were slipping on Brazilian bikini wax and clearly underestimated their opponents. However, if you are going to take a colossal dump on the pitch, best to do it at 2:30 on a Friday afternoon in a stadium that is still less than a quarter full.
The opening ceremony isn't even for another three hours. The "A listers" are not here yet, either on the pitch or in the crowd. The South Stand is still a sea of green, empty seats as far as the eye can see. This time tomorrow it will be an overrun pit of debauchery.
If you are going to take a colossal dump on the pitch, best to do it at 2:30 on a Friday afternoon in a stadium that is still less than a quarter full
But for now tranquility rules and despite the sombre mood over the fate of the local team, the sparse crowd is treated to a most disorienting and delightful occurrence.
The sun comes out. The early mist has burnt off and for those hearty souls who have come early, it's almost like mother nature has declared that watching the minnows should be fun, so here's a little solar glow to lighten your soul.
In a few hours' time the big boys will be here. Fiji, New Zealand, England and South Africa will all be trying to qualify for next year's Olympics in Rio. Some of the town's more prominent suits will saunter in eventually as well but for now the corporate boxes are basically free of pretence.
There's enough time right now to fully digest Hong Kong's opening loss and there is little doubt it stings. Fourteen months ago the Hong Kong Sports Institute started a programme for elite rugby players and 20 of them have been playing five times a week since then with a decent monthly stipend and accommodations if so desired.
