Belgium opened their season with a win over a side bound for the 2027 World Cup.
Hong Kong struck first through Joshua Hristich in the 4th minute and still led 10-7 after a Paul Altier penalty in the 23rd. Belgium turned the game round just before the break, as Dazzy Cornez (37th) and then Toon Deceuninck, two minutes later, sent them in 19-10 up.
Hugo De Francq extended the lead with a penalty in the 43rd minute before Cornez’s second try, in the corner, in the 70th (27-10). Brendon Nell cut the gap under the posts in the 79th without changing the outcome. Flor Van den Bussche scored Belgium’s other try (9th).
For Belgium, ranked 23rd, this first Test of the season starts their preparation for the 2027-2031 cycle, head coach Laurent Dossat told La DH, as they will miss the 2027 World Cup. Hong Kong, ranked 24th, will be there. Belgium play again on 11 November in Gloucester against the British Armed Forces.
Key figures
20-0 Belgium's run, from 7-10 to 27-10
4 Belgium tries, against two for Hong Kong
2 tries for Dazzy Cornez
Comments