Hong Kong made their return to the world rugby sevens stage on Friday but found it tough going in a 43-0 defeat to the World Series champions Australia.

Concluding the first night of the first Hong Kong Sevens since 2019, the hosts enjoyed strong support from a Hong Kong Stadium crowd of more than 20,000.

However two tries each for Dietrich Roache and Josh Turner, with others from Nick Malouf, Kye Oates and Henry Paterson, secured a comfortable Australian victory. Hong Kong were unable to convert their attacking chances.

Hong Kong coach Jevon Groves said after the game that he felt his team had been a little careless.

"We struggled to retain possession from kick-off. Australia were clinical, they were ruthless in taking their opportunities," he said.

"When we did have the ball, there were just far too many errors in our game. Possession was key for us, we just didn’t have enough ball to really challenge them."

Hong Kong veteran Yiu Kam-shing, who is playing his last Sevens at home, said he felt his team was a little nervous but they are looking to bounce back in the upcoming group games.

The SAR's side take on New Zealand on Saturday afternoon followed by Samoa in the evening, and RTHK's commentator, Danny Hicks, said he sees plenty of grounds for optimism.

"[Australia] is the best team in the group on form," he said. "Go out and play like that, cut out the errors – the message will be: cut out the errors, keep more possession, play like you did when you had the ball and you'll get some results.

"Hong Kong can frighten Samoa and New Zealand tomorrow, I'm confident of that."

There was a major shock in the other Group 1 game, with Samoa beating New Zealand 24-0.