HONG KONG—A Hong Kong National team took on University of Waikato Chiefs Development Squad at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday April 23, as part in a day full of Rugby starting at 8am and going right through until the evening. The main event in the evening was the annual Taipan challenge.
Mini Rugby matches took place all morning, followed by an Operation Breakthrough match against HK Colts, then a game between HK Disciplined Services and a HK Selection, the annual Varsity match between Northern and Southern Hemispheres, then HK against Waikato Chiefs Development Squad (Waikato Chiefs), and after a HK Police Pipe and Drum Band the Taipan’s match.
Although all were fully entertaining and holding a special meaning for sections of spectators, the two top featured matches were the Chiefs against Hong Kong kicking off at 3:45 and the annual Taipan’s match starting at 17:30.
As might be expected the Waikato Chiefs, the development squad of a top Super Rugby team were young, very fit, selected for their rugby talent, still learning but well-groomed in the art of the game. The squad was well up to the task of taking on the Hong Kong Nations team. This is the second time they have visited Hong Kong staying almost a week on this trip.
The 27 strong Waikato Chiefs squad trained alongside the Hong Kong national players and with members of Hong Kong’s wider development player pool prior to Saturday’s friendly against Hong Kong. They also visited and trained at the recently opened Rugby 15’s Elite Training Centre. The Waikato Chiefs players are drawn from the Chiefs region of Provincial Union counties of Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki in New Zealand.
Hong Kong were first on the scoresheet when Ben Rimene slotted over a penalty in the 3rd minute of the game from an error forced by a spirited opening surge by Hong Kong. But this was short lived as the Chiefs hit back almost immediately showing their speed, tackling power and fast
