Japan in a class of their own, says Hong Kong coach
Dai Rees expects tough task against Asian powerhouses in RWC qualifier showdown
Japan's crushing 62-5 victory over South Korea, which took them to the top of the Asian Five Nations standings, reminded Hong Kong of the tough task facing them and "once again confirmed that Japan are by far the best team in Asia", according to team manager Dai Rees.
Japan ran in nine tries in Incheon on Saturday to stand one game away from qualifying for the 2015 World Cup in England. The only team standing in their way are Hong Kong, who travel to Tokyo for next Sunday's clash which will decide the direct qualifier from Asia.
"[Saturday's] win over Korea has confirmed that Japan are the outstanding team in Asia," Rees said.
[Japan] will come hard at us. The first half hour will be huge and the key will be to stay in touch
"We know nothing more [after this result] than what we already knew that they are out in front of the rest. They have never failed to qualify and are favourites to do so again. But we will give it our best shot."
Japan and Hong Kong are tied on 18 points in the A5N standings, although Japan are on top due to a superior points difference. The winners of next Sunday's clash at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium will book a berth in pool B alongside South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and the United States. The losers will enter the first round repêchage, away to Uruguay in Montevideo on August 2.
Hong Kong have never beaten Japan in the six years of the A5N. In each of their three fixtures in Tokyo, Japan have scored more than 50 points against Hong Kong, who will once again go into the game as carry underdogs despite an impressive 2014 campaign.
Hong Kong have so far defeated the Philippines (108-0), Sri Lanka (42-10) and South Korea (39-6).
