Japan score 5 tries in big win over Russia

COLWYN BAY (Nov. 15) – Japan scored one try in the first half and four in the second as they picked up the first win of their European tour, beating Russia 40-13 at Parc Eirias on Friday evening.

Ayumu Goromaru opened the scoring with a penalty in the third minute after Japan had kept the ball alive for more than a dozen phases from the kick-off.

But despite dominating possession and territory for the next 10 minutes it was Russia who scored next when a Japan handling error allowed Vladimir Ostroushko to use his pace to follow up a kick ahead and touch down. Ramil Gayshin banged over the conversion as Russia led 7-3 completely against the run of play.

Japan hit back though when a good break by Goromaru in the 15th minute was finished off by Hendrik Tui after the Japan forwards pushed the Russian pack back 15 metres. Goromaru’s conversion made it 10-7.

A brace of penalties from Gayshin saw Russia regain the lead before Goromaru levelled things up with a second penalty in the 28th minute, as the teams went into the break all level at 13-13.

Japan got off to the best possible start to the second half when Michael Broadhurst crossed two minutes after the break. Goromaru added the conversion and then a penalty before Male Sa’u scored the try of the game in the 50th minute.

The Japan centre used his pace and power to go over from 35 metres out, before following it up with a second five-pointer seven minutes late. Toshiaki Hirose then rounded off the scoring in the 67th minute following a good cross kick from Kosei Ono.
Japan fly to Madrid on Sunday and wrap up their European tour with a test against Spain on Nov. 23