Tiatia, Joseph Both Happy with Sunwolves Warm-up Game

KITAKYUSHU, Japan (Feb. 18) – Japan coach Jamie Joseph said Saturday the game between the Sunwolves and the Top League All-Stars was exactly what Japan’s Super Rugby side needed.

“There was some good attacking rugby and both sides looked to move the ball,” said the former New Zealand and Japan international, who was coaching the All-Stars. “We identified a few areas and helped the Sunwolves prepare for next week.”

The Sunwolves, who open their 2017 Super Rugby campaign against the Hurricanes on Feb. 25, beat Jospeh’s team 24-12 in a game that marked the opening of the brand new Mikuni World Stadium

A try from Fumiaki Tanaka six minutes from time eventually sealed the win after the All-Stars had taken an early 12-3 lead.

“The All Stars put us under pressure and we learned some lessons,” said Sunwolves head coach Filo Tiatia. “At line-out time we were under pressure and we need a stable set piece, both at scrums and line-outs, in order to launch (our attack). At the tackle we were also turned over without support.”

Local hero Akihito Yamada delighted the crowd of 11,577 by scoring the first try at the new stadium and he was soon joined on the scoresheet by Andre Taylor.

But the Sunwolves hit back with Timothy Lafaele and Ed Quirk crossing the chalk to make it 17-12 at the break.

Tanaka’s try was the only score of the second half and ensured the Sunwolves go into their opener with some confidence.

“The Sunwolves looked very different when they brought on experienced players such as Harumichi (Tatekawa) and Fumiaki (Tanaka) and their leadership was exactly what the team needed,” said Joseph.

“Filo wanted to test a few combinations and it would have been a different result if the Sunwolves had started with their best team.”

Tiatia said the game was an important one for his team given their short preparation time.

“I am happy with the result and we are on the horse and ready to go,” he said.