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South Korea are headed to the Olympics. A try in sudden death extra time from Seong-Min Jang sent the crowd into rapture as the home side claimed a remarkable win over Hong Kong to win the Asia Rugby men’s qualifying tournament at Incheon and claim their spot in Tokyo 2020.
Hong Kong had been heavily favored to win after breezing through to the final, earning five straight wins without conceding a single point. The Koreans had no trouble with Malaysia but faced a tough challenge in China, who they beat by only one score.
Playing a key role for South Korea was former Cal Golden Bears fullback Andre Coquillard. The 28-year-old has since converted to the forwards where his 6’5″ (1.96m) frame proved highly useful in aerial contests. He dressed for seven matches and saw the field in three for the Seattle Seawolves during the 2018 Major League Rugby season.
Meanwhile the journey is not over for Hong Kong, who will now enter the Repechage tournament to be held in Biarritz, France, next June. Joining them will be China, who defeated the Philippines in the Bronze Final to earn their spot. The final ticket for Tokyo will go to the Repechage winner.
DAY TWO RESULTS
CUP QUARTER FINALS
South Korea 32-7 Malaysia
China 50-5 Singapore
Sri Lanka 17-24 Philippines
Hong Kong 38-0 Afghanistan
PLATE SEMI FINALS
Malaysia 21-7 Singapore
Sri Lanka 40-0 Afghanistan
CUP SEMI FINALS
South Korea 12-7 China
Philippines 0-26 Hong Kong
7th PLACE FINAL
Singapore 33-7 Afghanistan
PLATE FINAL
Sri Lanka 14-7 Malaysia
BRONZE FINAL
China 19-14 Philippines
CUP FINAL
South Korea 12-7 Hong Kong
