Asia Rugby Championship: Hong Kong name largely unchanged side for title decider against South Korea
- Head coach Lewis Evans makes just 2 changes to starting 15 that battered Malaysia in previous game
- Ben Higgins comes into the front row in place of Ashton Hyde, while Paul Aliter’s ban sees Harry Sayers start in centres
Defending champions Hong Kong have named a largely unchanged side for their Asia Rugby Championship title decider against South Korea this weekend.
With both sides easing past Malaysia in their opening games, Saturday’s clash at Hong Kong Football Club is a repeat of last year’s final in Incheon, which Hong Kong won with the last kick of the game.
Head coach Lewis Evans has been forced to make two changes to the starting 15, with prop Ashton Hyde dropping out through illness and full-back Paul Altier banned after being sent off in the 88-9 hammering of Malaysia six days ago.
In their place, Ben Higgins comes into the front row, while Nathan De Thierry will switch to full-back and Harry Sayers start in the centres.
“Consistency is key,” Evans said. “Last week, players from 1 to 15 all performed, and there were some real selection headaches this week as we expected. Certain guys really stood up against Malaysia but there are also other guys we wanted to see more of as well.”
That desire for consistency means the change in the front row is the only one in the pack, despite Josh Hrstich’s return to full fitness. The man who led the side in their World Cup qualifying campaign last year starts on the bench, with Tom Hill again leading the side from the centres.
