Tired Japan fall to Scotland

GLOUCESTER, England (Sept. 23) – Japan fell to their first loss at Rugby World Cup 2015 when they were beaten by Scotland 45-10 on Wednesday.

Playing just four days after beating South Africa on the opening weekend and against a side playing their first game in the tournament, the Brave Blossoms were competitive for close on 60 minutes before the Scots ran away with the game.

Amanaki Lelei Mafi scored a try, converted by Ayumu Goromaru, as Japan went into the break trailing 12-7, Scotland’s points coming from four penalties by man-of-the-match Greig Laidlaw.

But Japan lost Mafi, who had run for 103 metres, four minutes into the second half, the big No. 8 having to be stretchered off the field. And the Scots took full advantage running in five second half tries.

Mark Bennett crossed twice and there were further five pointers for John Hardie, Tommy Seymour and Finn Russell with Laidlaw adding four conversions for a personal haul of 20 points.

Japan captain Michael Leitch once again led by example, making 10 tackles and carrying the ball 20 times. Michael Broadhurst also made 10 tackles and carried the ball 13 times but the Brave Blossoms’ paid the price for giving away too many penalties and being unable to play the error-free rugby seen against the Springboks.

Eddie Jones’ side now have 10 days to regroup before they take on Samoa in Milton Keynes, before they close out their tournament back in Gloucester against the United States.