Japan fall 22-18 to Wales

OSAKA (June 8) – Japan put in a battling performance but just fell short of upsetting Wales as they went down 22-18 to the European champions at Hanazono Stadium.

On a hot day in the Kansai area, Japan started the game at pace, causing Wales problems at the breakdown. The Welsh for their part tried to slow things down and use their strength at close quarters.

Two early penalties from Ayumu Goromaru gave Japan a 6-0 lead, but they were soon wiped out by a pair from Dan Biggar, despite Wales being reduced to 14 men after Rob McCusker was sent to the  sin bin in the 19th minute.

Japan flanker Michael Broadhurst scored the only try of the half in the 37th minute following a well executed line-out move as Japan went into the break leading 11-6.

Biggar added a third penalty in the 46th minute to make it 11-9. But that only seemed to fire up Japan.

Some good interplay by forwards and backs set up good field position for the hosts but they were unable to turn pressure into points. And Biggar made them pay by adding a fourth penalty in the 59th minute.

Things then got worse when Harry Robinson made the most of a turnover and some good hands by Welsh forwards and backs to go over in the corner in the 63rd minute. Biggar added the extras as Wales led 19-11.

Japan, however, fought back and Yoshikazu Fujita crossed six minutes later as Japan used quick recycled ball to create the overlap. Goromaru added the extras to make it 19-18.

But a penalty by Rhys Patchell two minutes from time sealed the win for Wales.