Japan High Schools Win in Ireland

After losing their opening game 17-7 to Munster Under-19s in Limerick on Wednesday, the Japan High Schools chalked up their first win on their tour of Ireland when they beat Connacht Under-19s 24-10 at the Galway Sportsground in Galway on Sunday, 19 March 2017. The game was played over 35 minute halves with no restrictions on the use of interchange players.

The visitors scooted out to an 18-0 lead by the latter stages of the opening half only to concede a late penalty try to see the sides go to the break with Japan High Schools leading 18-7. The scoring slowed down in the second half with the tourists kicking two penalties to one to take the result 24-10.

Defence was an issue in the first game on tour and so the focus in Galway against a much bigger side was going in low and making the tackle. The Japan High Schools also performed well at the set piece and found a good rhythm in attack. The focus for the next game is to maintain focus and concentration for the full duration of the game.

Game 1:
Munster U19s 17 d Japan High Schools 7
Date: Wednesday, 15 March 2017
Venue: Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick, Munster
Kick-off: 18:00

Game 2:
Japan High Schools 24 d Connacht U19s 10
Date: Sunday, 19 March 2017
Venue: Galway Sportsground, Galway
Kick-off: 14:00

Game 3:
Ulster U19s v Japan High Schools
Date: Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Venue: CIYMS Rugby Football Club, Circular Rd, Belfast
Kick-off: 18:00

Game 4:
Ireland U19s v Japan High Schools
Date: Saturday, 25 March 2017
Venue: Donnybrook Stadium, Donnybrook, Dublin
Kick-off: 16:30