Rhinos Smash China

Rhinos Smash China

Indonesia comprehensively beat China, who were relegated from Division II in 2012 and lost to Qatar in the opening Semi-Final on Wednesday. Indonesia scored six tries, three in each half and entered halftime with an 18-6 lead that was never threatened.

The Indonesia Rhinos’ tries came from lock Florian Busi (his second of the tournament), No 8 Dian Simatupang, who collected a brace today with tries in both halves and fullback Mike Bavin. Flyhalf Bobby Sumantri added a penalty, while China captain and inside centre Bian Hanchi slotted two penalties for China’s first points of the tournament in the opening stanza.

China never threatened the Indonesian lead, which was stretched to 23-6 in the 46th minute when Simatupang collected his second try of the game. Bobby Sumantri added the conversion to bring the score to 25-6. Flanker Markus Didikus Ria crossed over for Indonesia’s fifth try in the 54th minute. Sumantri’s conversion pushed Indonesia further ahead 32-6.

Winger Vegaz Sarwom closed out the Indonesian scoring today for Indonesia, before China collected a late consolation try, its first of the tournament, through centre Shibao Li. China’s try was converted by Bian to bring the final score to 37-13.

Indonesia captain Daniel Nugroho was pleased with the result, saying, “We took a long-term approach to this year’s tournament leaving out several of our more experienced expatriate players in favour of getting more young local players involved. We were disappointed to lose to Guam in the opener but I’m really excited at the way we responded. We weren’t afraid to lose today as we want to build for the future, but it was a great result and the young guys will now be that much keener to keep up the hard work for next year.”