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RUGBY: Malaysia will be tested against imposing China

NATIONAL coach Boon Hoon Chee is optimistic his young charges have what it takes to help the country regain its Division One status in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Division Two tournament which starts tomorrow at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.

The team, who will face a formidable China side in their opening semi-final, feature a younger, less experienced lineup with former national captain Nik Ismade Safuan Nik Man moving into an assistant coach role for the championships and stalwart brothers Khairul Azhar, Saizul Hafifi and Saizul Hafiz Md Noor either unavailable or doubtful for the tournament.

The team, who were relegated from Division One last year, are also down to three naturalised players with Asas RFC's Atunaisa Lacadamu out injured.

"Initially, I did have some doubts with the boys being slightly inexperienced at international level. However, after two weeks of centralised training I am confident this team have what it takes," said Hoon Chee, who is also coach of the Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra).

"The boys are in their early to mid-twenties and are all very eager to give their all for the country. The excitement level in (the training) camp is very high.

"I believe if the players stay disciplined, stick to the game plan and with a little luck, we will be able to beat them (China)."

Hoon Chee added that defusing the strength of China's forwards will be crucial if the team are to come out winners in the crucial opening match.

"We have limited knowledge about them. We have only been able to watch some recordings of their recent matches. However, I think it is clear they are the strongest team in the group.

"We know they have very large yet mobile forwards and will look to use the whole width of the field to play away from their strengths and tire them out.
"Hopefully, the (hot) weather will also help us with that."

Tomorrow's winners will play the victors of the other semi-final featuring Thailand and Iran for a place in the playoffs between Division Two and Three winners. The winners of the playoffs will win promotion to Division One.

The Division Three tournament, which is being played alongside the Division Two event at the same venue, begins today with favourites Guam to face Indonesia while India play Pakistan in the opening semi-finals. By Fadhli Ishak

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