Hong Kong put up a brave rearguard performance to limit Japan to a 38-0 victory in Hong Kong.
Japan the overwhelming favourites after humiliating the Phillipines last week 121-0 held were intent on holding on to their unbeaten record.
The fervent few thousand packed in to Hong Kong's Football Club stadium, feared the worst, but witnessed a gritty performance from the home side.
Hong Kong wrestling not only the bigger and fitter professional Japanese but the 95% humidity, refused to take a backward step in defence.
While the scoreline is convincing Hong Kong can be proud of their effort.
They finished with a tackle total of over 140, three times that of the visitors. Mainly due to the sterling work of the back row of Pale Tauti, Matt Lamming and Alex Baddeley.
Without their Sevens stars, most notably Rowan Varty, set to be the first Hong Kong player to represent the famous Barbarians against the British & Irish lions lacked penetration and depth.
Too often they kicked away possession and ran moves too deep from outside half allowing their opponents easy pickings. These are areas the coaching staff under Leigh Jones will want to address.
With the introduction of Mike Glancy, the former Ireland U21 international star (pictured), the backs did offer more and came close to adding a seven pointer late on, only to be foiled by some aggressive Japanese defence keen to stone wall the hosts.