HSBC Asian Five Nations Underway
April 26, 2008

[INCHEON, South Korea, April 26] – A new era in Asian rugby got underway on Saturday April 26 2008 with the kick-off of the inaugural HSBC Asian Five Nations rugby series. In the first weekend’s action, Japan beat South Korea 39-17 in the opening game of the HSBC Asian Five Nations.

Played in the shadow of the Incheon Munhak Stadium – one of the venues of the 2002 soccer World Cup – organisers hope that it will not be long before rugby games between Asian nations will be held regularly in stadia of such size.

The crowd that did turn up certainly got their money’s worth, with the two longstanding rivals running in nine tries between them.

A year ago, Japan had hammered South Korea 82-0, but it was a far more tenacious effort from the Koreans this time around.

They may have been outscored seven tries to two, but Korean coach Park Ki Haeng will probably be more satisfied with his team’s performance than Japan coach John Kirwan.

“They looked a lot fitter and stronger,” said Kirwan, when comparing the Koreans to the team that travelled to Tokyo last year.

“They outplayed us in the second half and lived off our mistakes. I think their coach can go away happy.”

Tries by Go Aruga, James Arlidge, Hirotoki Onozawa, Bryce Robins and Hiroki Yoshida - with Arlidge slotting over two conversions - helped Japan to a 29-0 lead at halftime as their forwards and backs combined well to constantly breach the gain line.

Replacement fullback Tatsuya Kusumi then crossed two minutes into the second half as the Cherry Blossoms looked to run away with the game and keep the hosts scoreless.

But the Koreans showed characteristic pride and determination and answered with a well worked score by flanker You Young Nam, who ironically plays his club rugby in Japan for Sanyo Wild Knights.
Kusumi added a second try following a sublime break by Arlidge, but Hong Jun Ki knocked over a penalty and was then on hand to add the extras to Kim Sung Soo’s try in the final minute of the game.
The final five-pointer summed up the game.

Japan were on the attack in the Korean 22 but a wayward pass was intercepted by the impressive You. Some desperate tackling brought the flanker down just outside the Japan 22, but Park Wanyong and Soo were in support and the latter crossed to the delight of the locals in the crowd.

The win sees Japan, who play the Arabian Gulf next week in Osaka, top the standings on six points.

SCOREBOARD:
Japan 39
Tries: Kusumi (2), Aruga, Arlidge, Onozawa, Robins, H.Yoshida.
Conversions: Arlidge (2)

South Korea 17
Tries: You, Kim
Conversions: Hong (2)
Penalty goal: Hong

LATE RESULT:
In the weekend’s other HSBC Asian Five Nations, visiting Hong Kong edged the Arabian Gulf XV 20 - 12 in the match in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.

ENDS

For further enquiries please contact:
Sean Patrick Moore
Tournament Operations Manager
HSBC Asian Five Nations 2008
E: Asian5Nations@gmail.com
E: smoorehkg@gmail.com
T: +852 9095 8889