Hong Kong Rugby Union confirm line-up to face Japan in tomorrow's ARC home clash
Joshua Lok
12th May 2017
Hong Kong's Jamie Cunningham leads the charge last week's dogged performance against Japan
(Photo credit: Hong Kong Rugby Union)
There were some bright performances within the Hong Kong squad last week despite conceding 29-17 to Japan which undoubtedly have factored into coach Leigh Jones's selection.
In particular, the starting forward pack played well and Jones has rewarded their effort by retaining his starting tight five for the home opener.
Ben Roberts will again lead the squad from hooker as captain, alongside props Ben Higgins and Dylan Rogers, who turned in a sterling performance on his Hong Kong debut last weekend. James Cunningham and Adrian Griffiths have also been retained as the starting second row, keeping Hong Kong’s tight five intact as Jones looks to ensure another stable platform at the scrum and line-out.
There are two changes in the backline, with Ally Maclay starting on the left wing and experienced flankers Nick Hewson and Matt Lamming have been handed starts, while Dan Falvey shifts from his starting position on the flank last week to his customary position of No.8.
Hong Kong Football Club, the ground on which Hong Kong will be looking to make home advantage count.
(Photo credit: HKFC)
The news that Alex McQueen will return from a non-rugby injury that kept him out of this year’s Hong Kong Sevens will be greatly welcomed and he is set to start at the full-back berth.
Salom Yiu Kam-shing retains his spot on the right wing and the interior backs remain unchanged with scrumhalf Jamie Hood and fly-half Matt Rosslee returning at the pivot, while centres pairing Lex Kaleca and Tyler Spitz also keep their starting positions.
Cado Lee Ka-to is the only survivor of the back reserves from last week’s tie and will be joined on Saturday by winger Charles Higson-Smith and fly-half Ben Rimene, who is inching closer to full-time action after recovering from an injury sustained in the Hong Kong Sevens.
HKRU Squad for Japan
1. Ben HIGGINS (Valley)
2. Ben ROBERTS (HKCC, captain)
3. Dylan ROGERS (HKCC)
4. James CUNNINGHAM (Kowloon)
5. Adrian GRIFFITHS (HKCC)
6. Nick HEWSON (Valley)
7. Matt LAMMING (HKCC)
8. Dan FALVEY (HKFC)
9. Jamie HOOD (HKFC)
10. Matt ROSSLEE (Valley)
11. Ally MACLAY (Valley)
12. Lex KALECA (HK Scottish)
13. Tyler SPITZ (USRC Tigers)
14. YIU Kam-shing (USRC Tigers)
15. Alex McQUEEN (HKCC)
16. JW MARKLEY (Valley)
17. Jack PARFITT (HKS)
18. Angus DIXON (Kowloon)
19. Kyle SULLIVAN (HKS)
20. Thomas LAMBOLEY (Valley)
21. Charles HIGSON-SMITH (HKFC),
22. Cado LEE Ka-to (USRC Tigers)
23. Ben RIMENE (Valley).