Slow Start Sees Sakura Fifteen Fall to Italy in RWC Warmup

The Sakura Fifteen suffered a setback in their World Cup preparations, going down to Italy 33-15 in their RWC warmup match in the northern Italian town of Calvisano. Having come into the fixture brimming with confidence, Japan would have rued their slow start. Following a couple of concentration lapses in defence, they let their hosts run away to a 19-5 halftime lead.

Despite the evening kick-off, the match was played in oppressively warm conditions. The heat and adjusting to the time difference likely contributed to the visitor’s slow start. The second stanza saw the Sakura Fifteen begin to find their rhythm with some strong interplay between the forwards and backs, bending the Italian defence and creating several strong attacking opportunities.

This saw the Sakura Fifteen match Le Azzurre with two second half tries a piece. However, their fightback was too little, too late with the Italians running out deserved, five tries to three winners.

Commenting after the match, Sakura Fifteen Head Coach Lesley McKenzie said:

“Obviously we’re disappointed in the scoreline, in that it reflected some lapses on our part. But there are a lot of positives. Some really strong areas of our game were tested by a very strong and experienced Italian team at home. Overall, we think it’s a great lesson and game to reflect on, and we can take some important information going forward for the next two weeks.”

Japan will now depart Italy and head to England to begin their final RWC preparations. Drawn in Pool C alongside Ireland, New Zealand and Spain, the Sakura Fifteen will be looking to deliver their best ever Rugby World Cup performance.

Japan vs Italy Past Results:

8 matches, 1 win, 1 Draw and 6 losses

August 9, 2025 (L) 33-15 Calvisano

September 14, 2024 (L) 24-8 Piacenza

October 13, 2023 (L) 28-15 Stellenbosch (WXV2)

September 30, 2023 (W) 24-25 Parma

October 23, 2022 (L) 21-8 Auckland (RWC)

November 16, 2019 (D) 17-17 L’Aquila

August 22, 2017 (L) 22-0 Belfast (RWC)

May 22, 2002 (L) 30-3 Barcelona (RWC)

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C

Sunday 24 August
Ireland v Japan
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

Sunday 31 August
New Zealand v Japan
Sandy Park, Exeter

Sunday 7 September
Japan v Spain
York Community Stadium, York