South Korea outclass Sri Lanka
A helpless Sri Lankan outfit was bludgeoned into submission, before crumpling to a 59-3 loss at the hands of South Korea, who moved one step closer to securing a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup with the win in their native Incheon yesterday.
At halftime the winners led 30-3. The winners of the Top 5 advance directly as Asia 1 qualifiers to the Rugby World Cup next year in England, while the runners-up will advance to an initial repechage match against Uruguay (Americas 3) this summer.
Lankan rugby squad in training prior to their departure to South Korea at the Trincomalee Naval base
Flanker Kim Jeong Min accounted for two of Koreas five first half tries, after scrum half Yang Jung Pil, scored the game’s first try in the opening minutes.
Kim’s first try came shortly thereafter, with fly half Lee Eu Dum scoring the team’s third try, before Kim completed his brace, giving Korea an early bonus point. Prop forward Park Jng Yeul crossed over for Korea’s fifth try shortly before the end of the half.
Winger Kim Yon Wong added a penalty on either side of halftime to add to his four conversions in the match. Sri Lankas only reply of the afternoon came in the first half through fullback Riza Mubarak, bringing the halftime score to 30-3 in favour of the hosts.
The second half was much the same as the South Koreans ran circles around Sri Lanka.
Korea scored four more tries in the last forty minutes with No. 8 Lee Kwang Moon, reserve front row forward Son Young Gi, Kim Hyoun Soo and Song Byeong Ho all crossing over.
Sri Lanka will host Hong Kong on May 3 at Race Course with the kick off scheduled for 6.30 p.m. Sri Lanka will play Japan away on May 10 and then host the last match on May 17 against Philippines, which remains a must-win clash for the newly-promoted Lankan outfit.