Hong Kong’s rugby players have an opportunity to “put themselves on the map” this weekend with a “memorable” win over Portugal, head coach Logan Asplin said on Thursday.
The first official Test of the city’s autumn, after warm-up games against Japan A and ACT Brumbies, pits them against a side ranked four places higher and who beat them convincingly in the 2023 World Cup repechage tournament three years ago.
But Portugal come into the match on the back of a humbling 26-8 loss at home to Uruguay last weekend, and with wind and rain predicted for Saturday’s encounter in Lisbon, Asplin believes the home side could be there for the taking.
“It’s an opportunity for us that we’ve talked this week about,” Asplin said. “We’ve got the ability to play a team that’s ranked four spots above us and knock them over, and how that puts us on the map, how that makes us memorable. This is one we can really get after and target.”
Once again, Hong Kong have tweaked their starting line-up, returning to a familiar front row of Sumia Fameitau, Calum Scott and Zacceus Cinnamond.
Gregor McNeish will start at fly half for the game against Portugal. Photo: Elson Li
Harry Baron, Callum McFeat-Smith and Fazial Solomona Penesa provide cover on the bench, and Asplin said the selection reflected the belief that Portugal would “not be as confrontational a side as the Brumbies”.