The Netherlands have replaced Hong Kong China in 15th place in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings powered by Capgemini after a 19-17 victory in Amsterdam.
The Dutch just had enough to beat the tourists after a see-saw match which produced three tries apiece.
Using their forward dominance to good effect, the home side dominated the first half and led 12-0 at the break thanks to tries from Isa Suzanne and Quen Makkinga.
However, Hong Kong China hit back with two tries of their own through Rosanna Wright and Ng Ki Sum to level the scores at 12-12 before the Netherlands regained the lead when fly-half Isis Touw converted her own try.
Refusing to be beaten, Hong Kong China scored their third try when Wright crossed again two minutes from time but, crucially, Aileen Ryan’s touchline conversion was missed and the Dutch held on to register their first win over Hong Kong China at the third attempt.
The defeat for Hong Kong China followed a 22-17 win over Sweden in Amsterdam and sees them end the week ranked in 16th place.
For head coach Royce Chan Leong-sze, the tour will have been invaluable in preparing the team for the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship 2023.
Hong Kong China will face tournament hosts Kazakhstan on 23 May in Almaty with the winner progressing to the final against either Japan or China on 28 May.
The Asia Rugby Women’s Championship winner will enter WXV 2, while the runner-up slots into WXV 3.
