Japan begin Asia Rugby sevens Rio 2016 qualifier in style as men's and women's teams secure hat-trick of victories

Japan's men's and women's teams each picked up three wins in Hong Kong today ©World Rugby

Favourites Japan began the Asian rugby sevens regional Olympic qualifying event in style as both their men’s and women’s teams secured a hat-trick of victories on the opening day in Hong Kong.

The Japanese men’s side, which finished 15th in last season’s World Rugby Sevens Series, were in commanding form as they won all three of their matches in Pool A in convincing fashion.

They started as they meant to go on by thumping Taiwan 38-0 in their opening encounter, during which they scored their first try after just 15 seconds, before Chihito Matsui bagged a hat-trick in Japan’s 66-0 mauling of Singapore.

In their final game of the day, the Japanese team made light work of South Korea, who were expected to be their main challengers for the Rio 2016 place on offer for the winners of the tournament, breezing to a 47-0 victory to cap off a dominant first day.

Their women also clinched three wins today though they were nearly victims of a shock result as they trailed Kazakhstan before eventually edging a tight contest 7-5 in their opening game.

Japan then dismissed Sri Lanka 48-0 before they proved too strong for hosts Hong Kong with a comfortable 36-0 triumph.

Unlike the men’s, the women’s competition is due to be played over two legs, the second of which is due to take place later this month in Tokyo.

Hong Kong were also in good form as their men won all three games while their women claimed two victories ©World Rugby

“It’s been a good team effort from both sides,” Kensuke Iwabuchi, general manager of the Japan national teams, said.

“The key tomorrow will be consistency and I am certain we can do it.”

Hong Kong’s men also won all three of their Pool B matches as they delighted the home crowd by hammering Iran 46-0, which preceded a similarly-dominant 29-0 success against the Philippines.

They were given a stern test in their final match as they fought back from 12-5 down at half-time to beat Sri Lanka with 22 unanswered points in the second period.

The hosts’ women’ side picked up wins over China and Sri Lanka before they lost to the rampant Japanese.

The event at the Hong Kong Stadium concludes tomorrow.