Japan’s forward line put in a dynamic performance as rugby’s Asian champions extended their record winning streak to 10 games with a nailbiting 26-23 victory over Italy on Saturday.
Male Sau’s bulldozing try on the hour mark ultimately proved the difference for Japan but the home side had to survive a nervous finish before recording their first win in six meetings with the Azzurri.
“The great thing today was we won,” Japanese and former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones said. “We didn’t play well but it’s a testament to the guys that we’re beginning to win when things are not going well for us.”
Japan struggled in the lineout but punched above their weight in the scrum, while Italian coach Jacques Brunel slammed his butter-fingered players as the Six Nations side lost their ninth straight game.
“We made way too many mistakes. We gave away too many penalties and committed 12 turnovers – you can’t beat a team like Japan if you play like that.”
Japan are set to break into the world’s top 10 for the first time, but Jones insists all that matters is next year’s World Cup.
“That’s all I’m worried about. We’ve got to keep winning but we’ve got to win at the World Cup.
“It’s no use winning up to the World Cup and not winning once you get there – like the (Japan) soccer team.
“I want to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup and become the most popular sports team in Japan. There’s no reason why we can’t.”
Japan are in Pool B at the World Cup in England, alongside South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and the United States.
They disappointed at the 2011 World Cup under former All Black John Kirwan, beaten by hosts New Zealand, France and Tonga before drawing with Canada.
Fullback Ayumu Goromaru kicked 16 points for Japan who had beaten the USA 37-29 away last weekend.
Akihito Yamada’s fifth-minute try gave Japan the early initiative until a penalty try awarded after the winger’s knock-on gave Italy a foothold, the first half ending 13-13.
Italy’s resistance appeared to crack when Sau crashed over in the 60th minute, but a breakaway try from Robert Barbieri made for a cliffhanging final five minutes.
Italian captain Quintin Geldenhuys paid tribute to Japan.
“All credit to them. They are a completely different team from the one we played three years ago. They’ve improved a lot in all phases. Now they’re playing in the men’s league.”
Chan Wee
Guest
Scotland came with their best side but lost a few including Kelly Brown. the notion of full side is illogical , given the nature of the beast ; someone will always be injured or unavailable and can be injured during the match too. just becoz Moore got injured 5 minutes in, OZ cannot say they could not play ! it is a learnig experience for both 2nd line players and coaches to know the depth and stake a claim for glory. for example read savea dagg romano cane carter not available for NZ at one time or the other. the list is lengthy for SA with so many injuriees and then England had availability issues. OZ and France both had many unavailble. whether by choice or being compelled, the team has to play for the national honor.
Eddard
Roar Guru
Italy weren't at full strength but it wasn't a complete B team either. Japan were stronger at most scrums. The scrum is no longer a weakness for Japan.
Johnno
Guest
I don't think Argentina were playing there best side, nor Scotland. Italy I reckon alot rested.
Tigranes
Guest
well then it highlights how poor they are now...I hope this wasnt a full strength Italian side, because if it was they have massive problems I remember in 1994 Italy almost beat the Wallabies in Australia. In fact under R.Deans the Wallabies won by three points over in Italy.
Urthor
Guest
Fallen? From where? It's not like they've historically ever been much better than this. Japan has simply improved.
formeropenside
Guest
Was that a full-strength Italian team? I would have thought they would have just kept it tight up front and ground the Japanese out of the game. Still, overall a good result for rugby.
Eddard
Roar Guru
Well they haven't lost a game since 2003! In that time they've beaten England, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. They last played Japan in 2008 and won 65-22. Japan have improved a lot since then, but we'll see by how much. And the Maori will still be full of super rugby players. Japan are looking to enter a team into super rugby from 2016 so those games will show how they match up with a decent super rugby level team. If they're able to win or at least be very competitive then you'd have to say Japan will be a legitimate chance of making the world cup quarter finals.
Tigranes
Guest
This shows how far Italian rugby has fallen
Terrosilops
Guest
The question is, Who will be playing for the Maori AB's. Haven't been great sides recently, the best ones either play for AB's or are overseas.
Eddard
Roar Guru
If Japan had played well they would have won that match by 20. Nevertheless it's a good win and I think that will take them to 10th in the rankings for the first time. Hope they continue to improve. Rumour is they'll be playing 2 matches against the Maori All Blacks in November. WIll be very interesting to see how they perform against a team of pretty good super rugby players.
Chan Wee
Guest
Samoa beat Fiji 15 : 13 USA beat Canada 38 : 35 Scotland beat Argentina 21 : 19 Pool B is intersting with a tight run for 2nd place : SA - 2, Scotland - 8, Samoa - 9, japan - 12, USA - 18.
Buzzard
Guest
Great result for Japan though.
Lostintokyo
Guest
At the game. Good crowd. Japan have a good pack and some young exciting backs. Union has lost out to soccer of late. Perhaps this team can win some support back. JRU are a hopeless lot though
Buzzard
Guest
Italy & England have had a sad few days. Both lost in rugby & the soccer WC. Sort of can't believe Italy lost to Japan. Cut out the pizza & pasta and settle for some sushi I think. Too much weights not enough speed work?
Working Class Rugger
Guest
What makes this worse was the fact that the Italian scrum was shunted around the park. It's been a terrible tour for the Italians.