Late try sees Japan beat Georgia
GLOUCESTER, England (Sept. 5) – Japan made it three wins on the trot Saturday as they beat Georgia 13-10 at Kingsholm Stadium.
Following on from the two wins over Uruguay in Japan before they left for England and this year’s Rugby World Cup, Eddie Jones’ team defended bravely and used a good performance from the pack to seal the win three minutes from time.
“We were a bit slow to change tactically but for us it was the perfect hit out before the World Cup,” Jones said after the game. “The scrum was excellent and the front row did well.”
Japan started well and took an early lead when Ayumu Goromaru banged over a penalty in the second minute.
But it was the Georgians who scored the first try when Muraz Giorgadze followed up a clever kick from Merab Kvirikashvili to go over in the 15th minute. Kvirikashvili then added the conversion from the touchline in front of Gloucester’s famous Shed stand to make it 7-3.
Despite giving away a succession of penalties, Japan stayed in the game and a second penalty from Goromaru in the 26th minute ensured there was just one point between the sides at the break.
The second half started with Georgia dominating possession and territory, but the Japan defense held firm despite losing Ryu Koliniasi Holani following a big tackle early in the half.
Japan once again weathered the storm and looked to have retaken the lead only for Kotaro Matsushima to knock on over the line as he regathered his own kick ahead.
A long range penalty from Lasha Malaguradze in the 70th minute then saw Georgia increase their lead against the run of play.
But the Brave Blossoms responded in style and Amanaki Lelei Mafi finished off a superb driving maul in the 77th minute with Goromaru adding the extras as Japan avenged a 35-24 loss in Tbilisi last year.
Japan return to Gloucester for their second and fourth games at the World Cup when they take on Scotland (Sept. 23) and the United States (Oct. 11).
They begin their campaign on Sept. 19 against South Africa against South Africa and also play Samoa in Milton Keynes on Oct. 3.
