Japan get confidence boosting win over Uruguay

FUKUOKA (Aug. 22) – Japan snapped a four-game losing run Saturday as they beat Uruguay 30-8 at Level 5 Stadium.

Two tries from Hendrik Tui, one from Shota Horie and three conversions and three penalties from as many attempts by Ayumu Goromaru saw the Brave Blossoms get a confidence boosting win 10 days before they leave for the Rugby World Cup in England.

Japan, who had to make a late change at flyhalf, when Kosei Ono pulled put to be replaced by Harumichi Tatekawa, never trailed after Tui went over in the 10th minute following some good work at the breakdown by Hayden Hopgood.

Felipe Berchesi and Goromaru then exchanged penalties before Horie extended Japan’s lead, the Brave Blossoms hooker choosing a superb line from a short pass from Atsushi Hiwasa to go over.

Goromaru added the extras but Japan once again failed to build on the score as they allowed Jeronimo Etcheverry to go over for a well-worked try by the visitors to make it 17-8 at the break.

The second half saw Japan dominate possession and territory, and Goromaru banged over two penalties before Tui crossed for his second try following a superb driving maul in the 65th minute.

Japan had a number of opportunities to add to the score but a slippery ball saw the ball spilled in contact or passes not quite going to hand.

The game finished with Uruguay looking for a consolation try only to be thwarted by a super cover tackle by Fumiaki Tanaka.

The two sides meet again in Tokyo next Saturday, with Japan set to leave for England on Sept. 1.