Hong Kong to blood two more new caps in Cup of Nations clash against Portugal
Adam Fulgrabe and Dan Falvey win places in coach Andy Hall’s starting line-up
Hong Kong coach Andrew Hall will throw two more new caps in the deep end for Tuesday’s Cup of Nations showdown against Portugal at HKFC.
Portugal’s forwards impressed in their 23-12 loss to favourites Russia last Friday night and Hall will again test the depth he is building in the squad, with prop Adam Fullgrabe and number eight Dan Falvey in the starting 15. The Russians take on Zimbabwe in the opening test.
Hall has also included two sevens players – scrum-half Cado Lee Ka-to and winger Tom McQueen – for Hong Kong’s first-ever 15s test against the European side.
We know Portugal are going to pose some tough questions and ... we are keen to back up Friday’s result [against Zimbabwe] with a more complete performance
“Portugal look to have the toughest pack in the competition. For the first hour of their game they dominated what is a very large and skilful Russian eight, so negating that advantage is going to be a big focus for us,” Hall said.
“We know our backs can do their thing but we need to get them the ball in good positions and going forward. Winning the ball against Portugal is going to be a significant step up for us from the opening match with Zimbabwe.”
Fullgrabe and Falvey will bring to 10 the number of new players capped over the opening two rounds of the three-round tournament.
They replace Rohan Cook and flanker Matt Lamming, who both suffered slight knocks in the opening 30-11 win over Zimbabwe last Friday.
