WRAP: Hong Kong China produced one of the biggest results in their history, stunning Rugby World Cup regulars Uruguay 42-40 with a last-gasp Paul Altier penalty at Estadio Charrua.
In a match that featured six lead changes and swung wildly throughout, Hong Kong China recovered from a 26-13 half-time deficit to claim a famous Nations Cup victory against opponents who have appeared at the last five Rugby World Cups.
Uruguay looked set to cruise home after dominating the opening half. Hooker Joaquin Myszka crossed three times, twice from close range and once from a powerful maul, while No.8 Manuel Diana added another as Los Teros built a commanding advantage.
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Hong Kong China stayed in touch through the boot of winger Altier and an Alexander Post try from the base of a ruck, but Lachlan Doheny’s yellow card midway through the half-helped Uruguay seize control.
The visitors emerged from the break with renewed purpose, albeit after inside centre Juan Manuel Alonso struck immediately for Uruguay, but Dragons’ fullback Matt Worley’s brilliant solo effort and conversion from Altier reduced the gap.
Momentum continued to swing in favour of the Asian outfit.
Centre Marcus Ramage finished a well-worked attack on 58 minutes before Hong Kong China were awarded a penalty try by referee Craig Evans seven minutes later when a certain score was illegally prevented, with try-hero Myszka sent to the sin bin for his efforts.
The penalty try handed the Dragons the lead back at 32-31 with 65 minutes on the clock, 37 minutes after they last had it.
Halfback Brendon Nell then burst through for another try two minutes later to give the underdogs breathing room, although Altier missed the conversion.
Even then the drama was far from over. Reduced to 14 men after Max Threlkeld’s yellow card, Hong Kong China saw Uruguay roar back. Diana crossed again before Francisco Gonzalez Capdevila finished a sweeping move, converted by Jean Cotarmanac’h, to put the hosts back in front at 40-39 with just minutes remaining.
Uruguay’s hopes of escape suffered a major blow when replacement Alfonso Vidal was shown a yellow card in the 79th minute.
It proved decisive.
With the clock in the red, Hong Kong China’s Altier held his nerve, splitting the posts in the 80th minute to complete a remarkable comeback and seal a victory that will rank among the greatest in the team’s history.
Nations Cup Round Three results:
Samoa 37-38 Romania
Uruguay 40-42 Hong Kong China
Chile 22-49 Georgia
Tonga 28-32 Portugal
USA 29-22 Spain