Asian Five Nations Sunday Showdown at Big Swan Stadium
May 15, 2008

[Hong Kong, 15 May 2008] Japan is odds-on favourites to spirit away the HSBC Asian Five Nations crown when they host Hong Kong in Week Four of the inaugural competition at the FIFA World Cup 2002 ground Big Swan Stadium in Niigata on Sunday.

Hong Kong, who is also unbeaten in the five-team elite division, is likely to provide their stiffest test with head coach John Walters promising his team won’t give up without a fight.

“This will be a big game. We have got a very physical side that is big and fast. We will approach the match with total confidence and believing that we can win,” Walters said.

The 22-strong Hong Kong squad, which departs for Japan on Friday, will be boosted by the return of their inspirational captain Semi Iafeta and his deputy Colin Bisley, both of whom missed the opening two matches against the Arabian Gulf and Kazakhstan.

Iafeta, who has recovered from tearing his right hamstring, will slot in at No.8, displacing forward Simon Leung who has filled in for him admirably in his absence. HKCC centre Bisley is coming back from a knee injury and will take up his accustomed role in midfield alongside the impressive Simon Hempel.

“It is good to have both Semi and Colin back. The other guys have acquitted themselves well, but you really can’t make up for the experience these two guys bring to the team,” Walters said.

The only other change in the Hong Kong line-up will be lock forward Nick Hurrell getting his first opportunity to start, coming in for Ivan Zenovic who moves to the bench.

Japan, who has represented Asia at all the World Cups, began their Asian Five Nations slowly with a 39-17 win over South Korea. But they then picked up their tempo with smashing wins over the Arabian Gulf (114-6) and Kazakhstan (82-6).

And most worryingly for Hong Kong, Japan didn’t allow their try-line to be breached in the last two games, while running in tries from all parts of the field.

“We are not too concerned with what they have done against the other teams. Our main focus will be on our own game plan,” said Walters.

Hong Kong, who defeated Arabian Gulf 20-12 and Kazakhstan 23-17, will have their work cut out trying to keep out the marauding Japanese which has piled on 37 tries while conceding just two tries in their three matches.

But captain Iafeta insisted Hong Kong will not be worrying about Japan’s firepower. “Our game plan is simple – we will be going out to win. I can’t wait to get stuck in,” said Iafeta.

In the other game in Week Four, South Korea will host Kazakhstan in Incheon. The Koreans, who recorded their first win of the championships last week when they beat the Gulf 43-20, will be clear favourites to emerge as winners although Kazakhstan seems to be benefitting from the match experience with great potential to emerge as one of Asia’s top teams through their Asian Five Nations experience.

Hong Kong Squad: Pete Spizzirri, Wayne Whitney, Nigel Hobler, Lawrence Denvir, Nick Hurrell, Nigel Clarke, Kris Marin, Semi Iafeta, Jon Elliot, Justin Temara, Andrew Wong Kee, Simon Hempel, Colin Bisley, Simon Smith, Rowan Varty. Subs: Jon Abel, Alex Ng Wai-shing, Ivan Zenovic, Simon Leung, Kenzo Pannell, Mark Wright, Alex McQueen.

ENDS

For enquiries, please contact:
Sean Moore (English-language media)
Tel: +852 9095 8889
Email: Asian5Nations@gmail.com

Andy Yeung (Chinese-language media)
Tel: +852 9491 8589
Email: andiyeung@sinaman.com