Hong Kong Announces Alterations for Showdown Against Sri Lanka in Asia Rugby Championship
Revised Article:
Hong Kong's rugby squad's shaking things up for Sunday's Asia Rugby Emirates Men's Championship bout against Sri Lanka, with most changes happening in the pack. It ain't all about enforced switches, though - head coach Andrew Douglas is keen to get a glimpse of some fresh faces and inject some "bang" into the game.
The Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground match is expected to be a win for Hong Kong, but that doesn't mean they're taking things for granted. With that in mind, Alessandro Nardoni might make his 15s debut, building on his skills from the sevens side. Faizal Solomona Penesa, who's stepping in for an injured Keelan Chapman, could also join the party.
When it comes to keeping the front row in check, Zacceus Cinnamond and Calum Scott, with Calum's impressive 6-try performance in the 43-10 victory over the United Arab Emirates, will be on duty. Sunia Fameitau joins them following his bench appearance in Dubai. The bench this time around will be manned by Alex Post, Rory Cinnamond, and Solomona Penesa.
Coach Douglas outlined Nardoni's versatility as the reason behind bringing him into the game, stating they needed more coverage for the midfield and wing positions, considering their performance last weekend might have fallen a bit short in that department.
Hong Kong's rugby team is not just about punching their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia; it's also about developing local talent. The Hong Kong China Rugby Dragons Programme, focusing on athletes aged 18-28 with Hong Kong passports, aims to nurture community players and set them on the path to high-performance levels. The team has also benefited from full-time contracts and intensive training, including overseas trips and sessions with the ACT Brumbies Academy in Canberra.
In this match against Sri Lanka, while the exact names of new players aren't immediately clear, it's evident that the team is going for a mix of experienced professionals and homegrown talents that have climbed the ranks through these programs. Coach Douglas is all about strategic moves rather than haphazard squad tinkering, aiming to counter Sri Lanka's playing style.
The Hong Kong rugby team is eager to showcase their diverse lineup in the upcoming match, with fresh faces like Alessandro Nardoni and Faizal Solomona Penesa potentially making their debuts in the 15s game. Despite the expectations of a win, the team is mindful of their opponents, aiming to inject excitement and fresh strategies into the game, much like the football field during an exhilarating match of football.
