Seoul: Hong Kong opened their account in the Asia Rugby Championship in Incheon on Saturday, defeating South Korea 34-27 in a thrilling contest.

Both teams fought hard but it was Hong Kong who stood up when it mattered, with Ben Rimene crossing for the winning try with four minutes remaining.

Rimene was one of Hong Kong’s best all day and finished with 19 points, while Alex McQueen scored two tries for the victors. Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones said he was pleased with the result, but the team still had more work to do. “The boys did well to hook in there and dig out the win, but our scrum is pretty ordinary at the moment,” he said.