New-look Hong Kong at record high in World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini

A 31-17 win over Kazakhstan in their first test for three years has sent Hong Kong up to 15th place.

Hong Kong has shot up four places in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini as a result of their 31-17 home win over Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Eleven players made their debut as Hong Kong took to the field for a test match for the first time since they defeated the Netherlands 18-0 in Amsterdam in November 2019.

Kazakhstan seized the early initiative to lead 12-3 thanks to tries from Lyudmila Sherer and Galina Krassavina.

But Hong Kong fought back to go into the break 13-12 up. Vivian Poon Hoi-yan set up one try for fellow sevens star Jessica Eden and then scored herself

Hong Kong co-captain Natasha Olson-Thorne added to their lead in the second half before Eden crossed for her brace.

Kazakhstan replied through a brilliant solo effort from wing Amina Tulegenova but Agnes Chan Tsz-ching’s try and a second Aileen Ryan penalty put Hong Kong out of reach.

While Hong Kong is on the up and now only three places behind Japan as the top-ranked Asian women’s team, the defeat has seen Kazakhstan fall to a record low of 20th.