Hong Kong Kickstarts World Cup Bid with Triumph in Asia Rugby Championship, Leaves Douglas Disappointed
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Getting a 43-10 win under your belt shouldn't typically leave you spitting mad, but hey, Andrew Douglas ain't your average coach—he's got lofty expectations. After leading Hong Kong's men's rugby squad to a convincing victory against the United Arab Emirates in their Asia Rugby Championship opener, Douglas wasn't over the moon.
The Kiwi's not one to mince words. The first ten minutes were a mess, a hyper-tensed bunch struggling with handling, decision-making, and passing that borderline erratic. But Douglas knows these sloppy habits won't cut it when it comes to securing a spot at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Worley's 47th-minute try, the third of the game, encapsulated the frustration Douglas was feeling. It showcased every flaw that set his teeth on edge—poor handling, questionable decision-making, and rushed passes. The try was only possible because of some insane juggling by Ben Axten-Burrett, who, in his haste, needed to perform some uncomfortable acrobatics to keep a wild pass from Nathan De Thierry from touching the ground.
Axten-Burrett's contortions left the UAE defenders bamboozled, creating a gaping hole for Worley to dance through. From 22 meters out, all he had to do was skip between a stunned group of forwards and score under the posts.
For Douglas, this match serves as a wake-up call. He knows the team needs to shape up if they want to dance with the big boys in the 2027 World Cup. But it's not all doom and gloom. He expects the team to build strong leadership, foster a positive culture, and integrate top talent, using advanced analysis and a mix of 15s and 7s players to boost their chances.
Because make no mistake, the Asia Rugby Championship is a big deal. For Hong Kong's men's 15s program, this tournament is "hugely important," according to Douglas. He's well aware of the tough draws and the need to overcome regional rivals, which is why he's pinning high hopes on a strong leadership group, a culture of honesty and accountability, and continuous improvements within the squad.
So, let's see if this team can get their act together and rise to the occasion. With the World Cup on the line, the stakes have never been higher!
After the 43-10 win, Coach Douglas expressed frustration, as he expects a higher standard, especially for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. His discontent was reflected during Worley's try, which was marred by poor handling, questionable decision-making, and rushed passes, reminiscent of the sloppy habits that won't be tolerated in the World Cup.
