Hong Kong players must translate new-found fitness into tries, says coach Leigh Jones
South Korea will provide a stiff test for captain Nick Hewson’s players as coach says his side have to adopt an attacking mindset in their next Asian championship match
It is time for Hong Kong’s newfound fitness and strength to translate into something tangible on the field after a solid, but uninspiring start to their Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) campaign.
The benefits of the elite rugby programme have been well documented – players are operating to a level of professionalism never before seen in Hong Kong 15s rugby – but it hasn’t resulted in tries.
We are making definite strides in terms of fitness and speed, but we also have to transfer that into direct rugby
Although they have only played two games this year – one a 38-6 defeat against a Chiefs development squad and last weekend’s 38-3 loss to Japan – coach Leigh Jones is expecting to see the hard work pay dividends.
“Adam Fullgrabe, for example, covered an awful lot of ground [against Japan] and he covered a lot of that ground quicker than he ever has,” Jones said.
“We are making definite strides in terms of fitness and speed but we also have to transfer that into direct rugby involvements as well.”
Points, in particular, will be the order of the day when Hong Kong take on South Korea in Incheon on Saturday, with the visitors looking to adopt an attacking mindset.
