Asian Five Nations Top Five: Korea loss makes Philippines a must-win tie

Dubai: The UAE’s survival in the Asian Five Nations Top Five now rests solely upon victory away to the Philippines in their final group game, after opening losses to Hong Kong and South Korea.

Duncan Hall’s side lost 75-10 to South Korea on Friday after an opening 53-7 away loss to Hong Kong on April 20. They have a bye this coming Friday before an unwinnable home Test to Asian giants Japan on May 10, making victory in their May 18 trip to Manila now all-important.

Having previously avoided relegation with third and fourth placed finishes in their last two seasons since assuming the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union’s (AGRFU) position in Asia, the UAE set a pre-tournament target of two wins.

South Korea and the Philippines were identified as winnable matches but having suffered defeat on Friday the pressure is now on. As the only amateur set-up in the Top Five this year, the odds were always stacked against them.

Hall said: “Now we’re left with an extremely hard match against Japan followed by a fight to the death with the Philippines. I want our strongest side to face the Philippines so I may rest our seniors against Japan to give others an opportunity. It only needs one win before, I suppose, we are successful.”

Of the loss to South Korea, Hall added: “We made a lot of tackles but hardly had any of the ball. Last time we played them there was good even possession, so that’s disappointing for everyone.

“The players worked extremely hard to tackle and keep defending, which was important under adversity. It’s easy to make excuses but we were not on a level playing field.

“In order to improve the players need to get substantially fitter and dedicate more time to the sport to become semi-professional but that may not suit the UAE lifestyle.”