Hooker Alex Post scored his first senior international hat-trick as Hong Kong China eased to a 30-10 win over Korea in Saturday’s Asia Rugby Championship 2023 title decider.
It was a far more comfortable win than last year’s nervy affair, which was decided by the last kick of the game, and the margin would have been wider had the home side not spurned some golden opportunities.
Captain Tom Hill was profligate on a couple of occasions, including a knock-on when the line was at his mercy, but he did manage to cross for Hong Kong China’s only other try from open play, just before half-time, with a penalty try accounting for their fifth and final score.
“It is hugely satisfying to win here at home; to win the Asia Rugby Championship is fantastic for the group,” said centre Hill.
“We executed well under pressure but we still left some points out there. Having said that, we put 30 points on, which is a pretty good effort, especially in a Championship final like this.”
All three of Post’s tries came from catch-and-drive moves despite Hong Kong China’s high error count in that area.
Korea did get to within eight points, at 18-10 down, at the start of the final quarter when winger Chang Yeong-heung atoned for an earlier yellow card with a try.
Kim Kimin slotted the conversion to add to his first-half penalty, but Korea couldn’t get enough possession to deny Hong Kong China a fourth straight Asian title.
The victory has marginally improved Hong Kong China’s rating to 59.80 points but their position in the 520ccc.com Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini is unmoved.
Hong Kong China stay in 24th place while Korea also remain as they were, in 30th, despite the loss of 0.14 of a point.