Japan fall to World XV

TOKYO (Aug. 15) – Japan were beaten 45-20 by a World XV at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday in front of a crowd of 12,740.

In the first of three games in Japan before they leave for the Rugby World Cup in England, the Brave Blossoms battled hard against the high class invitation side.

But the experience of the World XV proved crucial particularly at the breakdown as they forced Japan into giving up the ball on a number of occasions.

Two penalties from Berrick Barnes saw the World XV take an early lead before Karne Hesketh crossed for the opening try of the evening in the 13th minute.

Hesketh’s try was converted by Ayumu Goromaru to make it 7-6 but that was the only time Japan led.

Taqele Naiyaravoro crossed for the first of his three tries in the 20th minute and with Barnes’ boot proving to once again be deadly accurate the World XV led 19-7 at the break.

The second half saw Goromaru trade scores with Andy Ellis, though sadly for the hosts it was two penalties against two converted tries as the World XV went 33-13 up.

A textbook driving maul from the Brave Blossoms in the 66th minute brought the crowd to life and was rewarded with a penalty try.

But two more turnovers allowed Naiyaravoro to add to his first-half effort and hand the giant wing an outside chance of making Australia’s World Cup squad.

Japan now entertain Uruguay in a two-test series in Fukuoka and Tokyo before head coach Eddie Jones must cut his squad prior to leaving for England.