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The second half began with Thailand mounting sustained attacking pressure inside the Philippines’ half. Thailand’s star fullback Warangkorn Khamkoet surprisingly missed a drop goal and two penalty goal attempts which would have narrowed the gap considerably. Once the Volcanoes managed to secure possession they were able to convert pressure to points and seemed to be coasting with 15 minutes to go. However, the Thailand team were extremely dangerous out wide and they scored two quick tries to come within two converted tries of a victory. The Volcanoes held strong and finished with late try to secure the semi-final win and continue their undefeated charge through the Asian 5 Nations competition.

On an historic night, the Volcanoes fielded a team comprised entirely of Filipino-heritage players. With a view to the future, national coach Expo Mejia named 7 new players in the squad of 22. The forward pack included 5 debutants, Phil Abraham, Jaime Urquijo Zobel, Ronald Fong, Chris Hitch and Michael de Guzman, each of them having an outstanding game. Only 2 forwards retained their starting spot from last year, Austin Dacanay and Freddy Morris with Josh Sutcliffe returning after taking a year off.

The new look forward pack dominated the opposition from the start and provided a strong platform for the backs. Hooker Phil Abraham was named man of the match for his lineout throwing and strong ball carries making a number of decisive line breaks. Jaime Urquijo Zobel was not far behind with his dominant performance in the lineout and his mobility, strength, work rate and inspiration for the whole team. Chris Hitch was a constant threat at the breakdown. Michael de Guzman scored a great forwards try in the first half and also produced the hit of the night with a bone rattling tackle. The Volcanoes scrum won a number of tight heads, the lineout was dominant, the driving maul was a real weapon and they outmuscled the opposition at the breakdown.

In the backs, 17 year old Ben Saunders made his run-on debut playing at inside centre in the middle of his two brothers, Oliver and Matthew. The three Saunders brothers proved a handful for the crafty Thailand backs as they combined beautifully to score 4 tries. Oliver Saunders organised the team brilliantly from flyhalf and also landed 8 out of 9 from the boot. Another set of brothers, halfback Jake Letts and fullback Michael Letts, produced strong games. Captain Michael Letts kicked superbly from general play and also made a number of line breaks. Wingers Kenny Stern and Harry Morris did well to contain the threats out wide. Harry Morris produced a memorable try by bumping off two players in one hit and racing down the wing to eventually score under the posts.