Swedish comeback falls short
Sweden – playing non-European opposition for the first time since the 2010 World Cup – came back impressively against higher ranked Hong Kong in Amsterdam today, but a late try from Asia’s No 2 team too the game at the end.
Published by John Birch, May 1st, 2023
4 minute read
Neither team published their teams for the match, only squads, so apologies to the lack of any names!
Sweden last played a team from outside Europe at the 2010 World Cup, so their game in Amsterdam today was another big step in the development of their XVs team.
Hong Kong are on a two-game “tour” to Europe – though in practice they will not leave the Dutch capital, their second game being against the Dutch on Saturday.
The first 10 minutes were even between the two team, until a scrum penalty won by Hong Kong put them on the Swedish line. The Swedes held out bravely, but eventually one of the Hong Kong locks manged to find the space for the first try. 7-0 to Hong Kong.
Sweden were unfortunate with that penalty as they had much the bigger pack, and caused their Asian opponents all kinds of problems, especially at the scrum. Hong Kong, on the other hand, were more fluent in the backs, with their sevens experience evident
After 25m Hong Kong scored a second try. As with the first, Sweden were unlucky to give away a penalty – this time for offside – and they again put Hong Kong on their try line, and despite strong defence Hong Kong again came away with the points. 14-0.
Hong Kong added a penalty at the end of the half to lead 17-0 at the break.
The Swedes had much the better of the second half, and after 59m the fullback crossed the line after a powerful run by the right wing. 17-5.
With Hong Kong now tiring and Sweden finding more space in the backs, a second Swedish try followed five minutes later. 17-10.
With 10 minutes to go a mistake by the Hong Kong flyhalf when dealing with a bouncing ball saw Sweden capitalise with a third try, this time within kickable range and the scores were tied 17-17.
But from the restart Hong Kong put together their only real attack of the second period, and again managed to drive over the line. 22-17, and despite the efforts of Sweden at the end that remained the final score.
Hong Kong squad:Au King To, Au Yeung Sin Yi, Baltazar Chloe, Chan Abigail, Chan Chloe, Chan Hiu Tung, Chow Mei Nam, Cuvelier Nadia, Dhar Tanya, Fong Rachel, Got Fion, Ho Jessica Wai On, Ho Tsz Wun, Herewini Kea, Lam Tsz Yan, Lee Ka Shun, Li Nim Yan Melody Blessing, Lo Wing Yin, Ng Ki Sum, Nam Ka Man, Olson-Thorne Natasha, So Yee Kei Cherly, Pun Wai Yan, Qian Jiayu, Richardson Megan, Ryan Aileen, Siu Wing Ni Winnie, Tsang Ching Man, Tsang Hoi Laam, Turner Roshini, Wright Rosanna, Wong Sze Ying
Sweden squad:Sara Lennvall, Linnea Flyman, Erica Haag, Elm Sterner, Emma Thgnssen, Lina Maran, Jennifer Sundgvist, Marielle Andersson, Maja Meuller, Linn Olforser, Pauline Sarg, Elisbeth Sonnenholzner, Amanda Swartz, Frida Nilsson, Isabel! Wijkstrom, Linda Hakansson Brinkler, Minonna Nunstedt, Sandra Irvefjord, Sara Jacobsson, Sonia Smolina, Tess Proos, Yaiza Milletorp, Olivia Palmgren