Japan keep streak alive with win over Romania

BUCHAREST (Nov. 16) – Japan extended their winning streak in test matches to 11 on Saturday as they beat Romania 18-13 at Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf.

In tough rugged encounter there was just one try in the game – a penalty try to the hosts – as defense and the boot dominated proceedings.

Ayumu Goromaru opened the scoring with a penalty in the 14th minute after Romania lock Marius Sirbe had been sent to the sin bin for dangerous play at a maul.

Florin Vlaicu brought the teams level with a penalty of his own two minutes later before the Romanian started to exert their authority in the tight.

A defensive lapse handed the hosts a scrum five metres out in the 25th minute and following a couple of collapses by the Japan pack, referee Stuart Berry went between the sticks to signal a penalty try, which Vlaicu duly converted.

Japan hit back though and two further penalties from Goromaru saw the teams go into the break with Romania leading 10-9.

The second half saw Japan once again dominate possession but they were unable to breach the Romanian defensive line.

Goromaru added further penalties in the 45th and 57th minutes as Japan regained and then extended their lead.

The Japan fullback then made it six from six when he banged over a kick in the 80th minute to ensure the hosts needed to score twice.

With the referee controlling time, they managed one through a second penalty by Vlaicu but kicked the ball away from the restart and after getting the nod from the referee, Kosei Ono kicked the ball into the stands to secure the win.