Hong Kong—In a do-or-die match, the Philippine Volcanoes men’s rugby team scored an impressive, 24-12, upset over favored Zimbabwe at the World Series Qualifiers in Hong Kong last weekend.
It was the first time the team won a game at the Hong Kong 7s tournament and only their second time to make an appearance.
Zimbabwe was first to score within the first two minutes, but the Philippines’ Justin Villazor Coveney tied the game at 5-5 off a turnover ball.
Filipino Winger Ryan Reyes Howe followed up with another try to put the team up 10-5. In the second half, Zimbabwe quickly responded to overtake the Philippines 12-10. But the Volcanoes’ Donald Canon Coleman soon scored off a penalty tap to make it 17-12.
A final try from Howe cemented the victory for the Philippines. The win allowed the Volcanoes to advance for the first time in history to the quarterfinals where they faced host Hong Kong.
General Manager Jake Letts lauded the victory, saying “It’s a special day for Philippine Rugby. This is the furthest we’ve come on the world stage. The future is bright for rugby in the country.”
The Volcanoes eventually lost to Hong Kong, 17-7, but the final placing was still a stellar achievement.
The Volcanoes’ aggressive game kept Hong Kong scoreless in the first half until tries from Salom Yiu Kam-shing and Russell Webb—both of which had to be referred to the video referee before they were finally given—swung the match into the home side’s favor. A late try by Tom McQueen completed Hong Kong’s comeback.