Hong Kong return to Rugby World Cup driving seat after beating Malaysia , Malaysia v Hong Kong

Malaysia v Hong Kong, Hong Kong made it three wins from three in the Asia Rugby Championship as they beat Malaysia 91-10 at the Hong Kong Football Club.

The impressive win puts them back on top of the Top 3 standings and in the driving seat to reach the next stage of Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification.

For hosts Hong Kong they now know a win next week against Korea will see them win the Top 3 and progress to face the Cook Islands in a home and away play-off.

Conor Hartley scored a hat-trick in the win with Leigh Jones’ side scoring no fewer than 13 tries, seven of which came in the opening 40 minutes with fly-half Ben Rimene kicking all 11 of his attempts at goal.

Jamie Pincott was the beneficiary of some good forwards work off the back of a lineuot before powering over to grab their first, while Max Denmark doubled the hosts lead as he flew down the wing and dotted down under the posts.

The opposite wing Hartley then added a quick brace showing great power and pace, before Jamie Lauder, a penalty try and captain Jamie Tsang saw them take a 49-0 lead.

Malaysia made sure they had something to celebrate in the opening half as Etonia Saukuru scored his second try of the championship before flanker Saiful Aazwan scored the extras.

In the second half, both sides tired as the heat took its toll but there was still enough for Hartley to add his third before Jack Delaforce, Jack Neville, Rob Keith, Lauder and Adam Fullgrabe added icing to the cake.

Afterwards captain Jamie Tsang said: “I think in terms of what we tried to get out of the game it is job done, five points and some points difference which is good to take into the Korea game.

“In terms of Korea our set piece needs to be strong, we have to keep our structures, and we hope it’ll be like this as they have some big players. We will be structured but also look to bring some chaos into our game.”