The PNG Pukpuks went down 49-19 to Russia in last night’s round two match of the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations at the King's Park Sports Ground, Hong Kong.
Russia captain and flanker Viktor Gresev was instrumental in the win with a hat trick of tries to his name.
The defending champions were out to a 21-0 lead after Gresev’s first two tries in the 12th and 19th minute.
The Pukpuks were on the board after 21 minutes of play when winger John Ephraim crossed over. An unsuccessful conversion brought the score to 21-5.
But Russia continued to pile on the points with more points to Anton Ryabov and Valery Tsnobiladze.
Pukpuks centre, Tisa Kautu added three points kicking a penalty just before halftime to leave the score at 35-8.
The Pukpuks came out strong in the opening minutes of the second half of play with Kautu kicking two more penalties and a try to flyhalf Richard Aitsi.
This narrowed the margin to 35-19.
But Gresev and Ryabov scored again not long after to secure the win for their side.
In the other round two match, Hong Kong beat Zimbabwe 34-1.
The Pukpuks will play Zimbabwe next with the match scheduled for this Saturday at 2pm (4pm PNG time) at the Hong Kong Football Club.
(File picture)