Rugby-Late penalty sends Hong Kong into World Cup playoff

Replacement flyhalf Gregor McNeish slotted a penalty with the last kick of the game to send Hong Kong into a World Cup playoff against Tonga after a 23-21 victory over South Korea in Incheon on Saturday. The Dragons, who have never played at the World Cup, will face Tonga on Australia's Sunshine Coast on July 23.

Replacement flyhalf Gregor McNeish slotted a penalty with the last kick of the game to send Hong Kong into a World Cup playoff against Tonga after a 23-21 victory over South Korea in Incheon on Saturday. Hong Kong had the worst possible start to the Asian Rugby Championship final when winger Charlie Higson-Smith was sent off in the opening minute after his arm caught the head of South Korea back Jeong Yeon-sik.

The South Koreans were unable to take advantage of the extra man, however, and Hong Kong claimed the Asian title for the third straight championships after their 2018 and 2019 triumphs. The Dragons, who have never played at the World Cup, will face Tonga on Australia's Sunshine Coast on July 23. The winners will qualify directly for next year's tournament in France, while the losers go into the final repechage.