Dubai — ZIMBABWE surrendered a half-time lead to lose to Hong Kong in their opening match of the Emirates Cup of Nations XV Rugby tournament in a physical contest in Dubai last night.

Hong Kong recovered from a false start to punish the Sables, who could have done much better had they not wasted numerous scoring opportunities from the kicking tee.

The Asians scored a converted try through skipper Chris McColl while fly-half Chris McAdam added three penalties to complete the comeback after Zimbabwe had got off to a great start.

The Sables dominated an entertaining first-half and ran in the first try through debutant winger Steven Hunduza who finished off a brilliant run by flank Biselele Tshamala in the fifth minute.

Flyhalf Lenience Tambwera slotted over the conversion to make it 7-0 before missing a penalty from just close to the halfway line.

Hong Kong stayed within touching distance after capitalising on Zimbabwe's indiscipline at the breakdowns with two penalties by McAdam.

In an earlier game, hosts UAE were simply no match against a supercharged Belgium side who ran in an astonishing 14 tries on their way to a convincing 94-3 win.

Belgium play Zimbabwe at the same venue on Tuesday.

zimbabwe ...(7) 7

Hong Kong... (6) 22