Revenge was the word on the lips of the Hong Kong players after they paid the price for poor play in a 14-7 loss to Japan at the Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday.
Unless China punishes Japan early on day three of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the two teams are set for a quick rematch in the Melrose Claymores final on Sunday afternoon.
And the prospect of a quick second shot at their opponents quickly erased the stench of defeat from the city team’s squad.
Although he was “desperate to lose”, Blake Elliot was already “hoping for revenge against Japan tomorrow”.
Playing in his first home tournament, 22-year-old Elliot said the two-day opener was a “great experience”.
“I’ve been very nervous, but those nerves bring energy, and as soon as you get on the field you only think about rugby,” he said.
