The Philippine Volcanoes crushed Zimbabwe with an impressive 24-12 at the World Series Qualifiers in Hong Kong.
Zimbabwe was first to score within the first two minutes, but the Philippines’ Justin Villazor Coveney tied the game at 5-5 off a turnover ball, said a report from the Manila Times.
Filipino Winger Ryan Reyes Howe followed up with another try to put the team on 10-5. Zimbabwe quickly responded in the second half to overtake the Philippines 12-10, but the Volcanoes’ relentless Donald Canon Coleman scored off a penalty tap to push it to 17-12.
A final try from Howe cemented the victory for the Philippines, allowing the Volcanoes to advance for the first time in history to the quarterfinals where they will face Hong Kong
Jake Letts, the team’s general manager lauded the victory, having been quoted as saying: “It’s a special day for Philippine Rugby. This is the furthest we’ve come on the world stage. The future is bright for rugby in the country.”
The winner of the quarterfinal match will advance to the semifinals round of the tournament.
