Korea advanced their RWC 2019 qualification claims with a 35-10 win over hosts Malaysia in the opening round of the Asia Rugby Championship.
The champion team from Asia's elite competition - Hong Kong begin their campaign next week - will face the Cook Islands in a home-and-away play-off on 30 June and 7 July with the winner on aggregate joining Canada in the four-team global repechage tournament that will provide the 20th and final qualifier for RWC 2019 in November.
Korea effectively had the game sewn up by half-time as they took a 21-0 lead into the break but a repeat of the 115-5 scoreline when the sides last faced each other back in 1986 never looked remotely possible as Malaysia grew into the contest and showed the sort of form that sees them ranked in the world's top 50.
A hot day at the Bukit Jilal Nation Stadium saw both sides share possession in the opening quarter but, as the match progressed, Korea’s experience at the top level of Asian Rugby shone through as they dominated most facets of play.
Korea’s right winger Jeong Min Jang’s pace caused Malaysia’s backline all sorts of problems and soon the host side found themselves under pressure. Two tries in quick succession from the visitors saw them take hold of the game, and despite some good attacks from Malaysia, it was the visitors who crossed again.
The second half started much as the first ended, with Korea flying out the blocks and scoring a converted try in the 48th minute, with speedster Min Jang carving his way around the outside of the Malaysian defence to claim his second of the match.
Malaysia rallied on conceding a further try and 10 minutes later it was the host side who would be getting over the whitewash. A smart line-out in the opposition 22 saw Malaysia’s number eight Timoci Vunimoku plough through the Korean defence to score his country's first try in top tier rugby and also the first-ever at Bukit Jilal Nation Stadium.
Following their try, Malaysia continued to hold on to possession with some good counter-rucks and hard-earned turnovers, but they only had a penalty to show for their efforts. As Malaysia tired towards the end of the match, Korea took advantage, scoring a converted try right at the death for a final scoreline of 35-10.
Malaysia Coach Lee Nyuk Fah was disappointed in the result but felt there were positives to take forward into the rest of the Championship “We’re very proud to be part of Asia Rugby Championship, especially as it’s the first time playing at this level. The boys came back for me in the second half. It’s a good experience, especially looking forward to the next three matches," he said.
Looking forward to their next match against Hong Kong, Korea skipper Lee Yong Seung felt they need to focus on the positives. “We need to keep our standards high and work hard on keeping our structure organised."
Next Saturday, Malaysia entertain Hong Kong in the second round of the Championship.
Click here for all the Asia Rugby Championship 2018 fixtures