Japan’s fighting display not quite enough

TOKYO (March 22) – Japan finished Day 1 of Round 6 of the HSBC Sevens World Series with one draw and two losses to their name, but it was so almost two wins as they produced arguably their best rugby ever at the Tokyo Sevens.

Tomohiro Segawa’s men started the day at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby ground with an 18-18 draw with Argentina, went down 33-5 to South Africa, before finishing with a 12-7 loss to Kenya.

The results mean Japan finished fourth in Pool B – even though they had the same points and try differential as Argentina, the placings determined by total points scored – and they will play Samoa in the Bowl.

Two tries by Lomano Lemeki, both of which were converted by Katsuyuki Sakai saw Japan take a 14-0 in their opening game.

But Argentina hit back at the end of the first half with a try by Joaquin Cachi Paz, before Gonzalo Gutierrez Taboda crossed in the second, conversions by Gaston Revol and Martin Rodriguez ensuring the two sides shared the points.

In the second game, Japan dominated early on but were unable to to turn pressure into points.

They were made to pay as Seabelo Senatla and Chris Dry both crossed to give South Africa a 14-0 lead at the break.

Stephan Dippenaar and Dry increased the lead before Jamie Henry produced the biggest roar of the day from the crowd as he dived over in the corner after chasing a well placed kick ahead.

Dippenaar, however, crossed for his second five-pointer of the game as the defending champions finished the stronger of the two teams.

In the their final game, Japan gave up two first half tries to Dennis Ombachi and Collins Injera and a conversion by Biko Adema to trail 12-0 at the break.

But they hit back with a try by Yoshikazu Fujita, converted by Sakai and almost stole the game at the death, only to be thwarted by some brave Kenyan tackling.