21 June,2014
Japan record historic win over Italy
TOKYO (June 21) – Japan picked up their 10th straight win and a historic first against Italy on Saturday as the Brave Blossoms beat the Azzurri 26-23.
Played in front of 13,816 fans at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, the Japan pack showed just how much they have improved dominating the scrum and holding their own at the breakdown as Michael Leitch and his side rounded off the season in style.
Akihito Yamada crossed in the fourth minute, Male Sa’u touched down in the 59th and Ayumu Goromaru’s dependable right boot added four penalty goals and two conversions as Japan added Italy to their list of Six Nations scalps, having beaten Wales a year ago at the same ground.
Yamada opened the scoring following a good break and offload from Ryu Koliniasi Holani following an Italian drop-out 22.
Luciano Orquera and Goromaru then traded penalties before Italy were awarded a penalty try in the 17th minute after Yamada was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on close to the line.
The Japan wing was sent to the sin bin for his actions but his teammates battled back and a second penalty by Goromaru saw them lead 13-10 despite the numerical disadvantage, before a second penalty from Orquera saw the sides go into the break all square at 13-13.
Japan started the second half in a positive fashion and with Italy wing Giovanbattista Venditti in the sin bin, Goromaru added two more penalties to make it 19-13, only for Orquera to once again reduce the gap to three in the 52nd minute.
Sa’u’s try, however, ensured there was 10 points between the two sides and although Robert Barbieri crossed for Italy in the 74th minute, Japan held on for the famous win.
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