WRWC2017: Sakura Fifteen Fall to Italy in Belfast
At the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Japan Sakura Fifteens lost 22-0 to Italy in the semi-finals off the play-offs to determine ninth to twelfth at the Queen’s University ground in Belfast on Thursday, 22 August 2017.
Japan and Italy have only met once before with the Italians taking the result 33-3 in the 2002 World Cup. In the first clash between these two sides in 15 years, the Sakura Fifteen were looking for their first win over Italy, but it was not meant to be.
For most of the first quarter of the match, play was largely contained between the two twenty-two metre lines with neither side able to bother the scorekeeper.
As the half wore on, Japan had more than their fair share of possession and territory, but strong defence from the bigger Italians kept them at bay.
The first scoring opportunity did not come until the half-hour mark when Italy were penalised at the breakdown in front of their own posts. Fortunately for the offenders though, fullback Mayu Shimizu could not land her kick.
Finally, in the shadows of halftime, Italian hooker Mellisa Bettoni burrowed over the Japanese goal line for the first try of the semi-final. The conversion was unsuccessful and Italy went on to take a 5-0 lead into the halftime break.
After a stoppage for injury early in the second half, the Italians posted first points in the second period with a try to left wing Michela Sillari down the left flank. She could not convert her own try, but Italy were in a strong position with a 10-0 lead.
As the game closed in on the hour, Sillari finished off a fine backline movement to stretch the lead to 15-0.
Italy dominated the final quarter with centre Stefan completing the try scoring while Sillari landed the conversion to run out 22-0 winners.
The player of the match was Italian hooker and try scorer Melissa Bettoni.
Japan will play the loser of Spain and Hong Kong for eleventh place overall.
Italy 22 – Tries: Michela Sillari 2, Melissa Bettoni and Stefan; Conversion: Michela Sillari d
Japan 0.
Date: Tuesday, 22 August 2017
Venue: Queen’s University, Belfast
Kick-off: 12:00 (JST 20:00)
Referee: Tim Baker (Hong Kong)
Halftime: Italy 5 – Japan 0