Asian rugby champions Japan stunned Samoa 33-14 on Friday, registering a record seventh straight Test win to strike a psychological blow before they face the Pacific islanders at next year’s World Cup.
Winger Yoshikazu Fujita scored two explosive first-half tries and fullback Ayumu Goromaru kicked 18 points in Tokyo as the “Brave Blossoms” beat Samoa for only the third time in 13 meetings.
“We’ve broken the record with seven wins in a row,” Japan coach Eddie Jones told reporters. “That’s a fantastic achievement. Our target next week is to make it eight,” added the Australian before his team’s tour of North America.
“We made hard work of it but the great thing is we created a lot of opportunities. I really liked the attitude of the players today and obviously we can improve.”
Both are drawn in Pool B at the World Cup in England, alongside South Africa, Scotland and the United States.
Jones has set a quarter-final target but Japan’s only previous victory at rugby’s showcase tournament came against Zimbabwe back in 1991.
Japan disappointed at the 2011 World Cup under former All Black John Kirwan, beaten by hosts New Zealand, France and Tonga before drawing 23-23 with Canada.
However, Jones takes Japan into away Tests against Canada (June 7) and the United States (June 14), before a home game against Italy on June 21, on a wave of optimism.
The 54-year-old praised the influence of lock Hitoshi Ono after the 36-year-old won a Japan record 82nd cap.
“Every game he puts his body on the line,” said Jones, whose team are now set to rise to 12th in the world rankings. “He’s the model Japanese rugby forward player. He’ll have 82 beers tonight — that’s a light night for him!”
Samoa coach Stephen Betham admitted his young side had been thoroughly outplayed. “It was a big Test for us as we build for the World Cup,” he said. “We learn from our mistakes and move on. Japan work well as a unit. They have made big strides in the last couple of years.”
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Yoshikazu Fujita 22 tries playing First XV rugby for St Bede's College in New Zealand three years ago. They won 15 out of 17 games, including the Canterbury competition. 21 tries in 17 tests, including six on debut! Fujita a real star!
Turnover
Roar Guru
A lot of excuses for the Samoa but it's a friendly so who cares. Let's just see it as a great opportunity for their locally based players
Bakkies
Guest
Bristol have signed a lot of players for next season and it may backfire as they got flogged in the first leg. Andy Robinson's run it at all costs game plan is coming to roost as it is too late for them to develop a plan B. Memo to Australian fans that's why you have to play varied Rugby.
therugbyfan
Guest
20% is off, I'm talking 100% Starters and subs
Tane Mahuta
Guest
But I was told that selecting overseas based players makes it a sure thing that you will get your best team on the park? Hmmmmm, maybe that isnt so.
Redsfan1
Guest
I don't think Japan would beat a full strength Samoan team. Not in a million years.
Daveski
Guest
20% of the team - not to mention their three best. I'm just saying the Japan team wasn't the best they can field either
The Phoenix
Guest
Well done to Japan regardless of the circumstances. They've come a long way since being thrashed by big margins.
Sailosi
Guest
Otto asked to leave Bristol a couple of weeks ago. Not sure if he's going to continue playing pro rugby.
therugbyfan
Guest
3 compared to a whole team basically lol get outta here
Daveski
Guest
Where did all the Samoa apologists come from ? So they were "under strength" .... Well Japan were without their three best players - Tanaka ( a Highlanders ) and Horie and Sau ( Rebels ). Won't be surprised if Eddie Jones plays their B team in the opening World Cup game against the Boks as I think he'll fancy his chances of upset wins over the Scots, Samoa and USA to nab a historic quarter final spot.... You heard it here first !
Bakkies
Guest
The Bristol lad mustn't be much chop. They played the first leg of the promotion playoff against London Welsh on Wednesday.
therugbyfan
Guest
btw, author seems a little misinformed....
therugbyfan
Guest
Samoa B like everyone said was never going to beat an almost full strengthed Japanese side, watched a couple of minutes switching between highlanders and this and it seems Japan have got a really top quality outside center who ran circles around that Samoan B team, I believe he's South African
Chan Wee
Guest
With a poor excuse for a Pacific Nations Cup lined up for this year, the two nations have taken it upon themselves to schedule an extra match to act as a warm up. The problem is it’s outside the IRB test window, which means Samoa must field a woefully understrength team comprised largely of locally-based players with very little, if any, test experience. In fact the majority of the Samoan side won’t see any time at all in the upcoming June tests, so one wonders what the point of this exercise is after all. Only five players in the starting lineup for the Manu have any professional experience, with nominated captain Anitele’a Tuilagi by far the most recognizable name. Towering lock Maselino Paulino acts as vice-captain and pack leader, and is joined by Japan-based Fa’atiga Lemalu in a serviceable second row combination. The back row have all been used on the IRB Sevens circuit, as do most of the backs along with the reserves. Bustling Bristol centre Fautua Otto is shifted out on the wing, with former Queensland Reds outside back Brando Va’aulu preferred in the midfield alongside Tuilagi. Misioka Timoteo is a tough customer at the back of the scrum but perhaps hasn’t yet delivered on his early promise. Six players make their test debuts at kickoff while another four wait on the bench, among them former taekwondo Olympian Kaino Thomsen, who recently gave up the martial art to return to rugby. Japan, by contrast, field a vastly experienced side featuring second row Hitoshi Ono, who is set to win his record-setting 82nd cap, eclipsing winger Hirotoki Onozawa. Having officially qualified for the upcoming World Cup, coach Eddie Jones has sent Male Sa’u and Shota Horie back to the Melbourne Rebels, but retains Brumbies signing Harumichi Tatekawa. Interestingly he swaps jerseys with Yu Tamura, with the latter switched to inside centre after playing flyhalf for the previous three tests. A dynamic back row is led by new captain Michael Leitch, who himself narrowly missed out on a Super Rugby contract as he continues his return from long-term injury. Atsushi Hiwasa is a like-for-like replacement for Fumiaki Tanaka at scrumhalf, and the trusted boot of Ayumu Goromaru is again at fullback. Former Natal Sharks academy member Kotaru Matsushima is picked at outside centre, where his low centre of gravity could prove useful. Though the edge in size and physicality clearly favours the Samoans, the speed and cohesiveness of the Japanese attack should prove more than a match. The fledgling Manu team that could be described as 3rd string at best should be overwhelmed reasonably early in the second half. If the Brave Blossoms don’t win this one at a canter it should be viewed as a massive let down. Take the home side by 25. Friday, May 30, 10:00 GMT, Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground, Tokyo Referee: John Lacey (IRFU) Assistants: Dudley Phillips (IRFU) & TBA (IRFU)
Johnno
Guest
It wasn't a pacific nations cup game, just a soccer-friendly trial type game. The PNC starts next week. It was probably in Japan too, and not Samoa's best 15.
Eddard
Roar Guru
Worth pointing out that it was essentially a Samoa B team made up almost entirely of locally based players. Their first team is much stronger and full of professionals.