Sakura Sevens Seal Historic Podium Finish in Dubai

The Sakura Sevens have achieved their first ever HSBC SVNS podium finish, claiming Bronze following their defeat over Fiji 22-12 in the Third-Place Play Off at this year’s series opener in Dubai. The win capped off a big weekend for the Japan women and followed their commanding 36 – 5 victory over Great Britain in their pool match the previous day.

The tournament started with a tough loss to Australia in their opening match, going down 7 – 31. Shaking off their early disappointment, the Sakura Sevens came out looking like a different team against Great Britain, running in six tries to one, including two-tries-a-piece to Honoka Tsutsumi and Michiyo Suda.

The stage was then set for a thrilling final Pool B match against Canada. Trailing by five points at the half time break, Japan rallied in the second half, scoring two tries to Canada’s one. In the end, it was Japan’s 100% accuracy off the boot, with three post try conversions that made the difference, going on to win the match 21-19 and moving into only their second ever HSBC SVNS Semi-Final.

Coming up against the eventual Tournament Champions, Japan played valiantly but struggled to contain the speed and precision of New Zealand, going down 5-31. While clearly disappointed in having missed out on reaching their first ever Final, the Sakura Sevens still had everything to play for in the Third-Place Play Off.

Running in three first half tries, Japan took a commanding 17-7 lead into the half time break. Scoring their fourth try in the second half, they defended their lead well while playing down the clock and remaining ever vigilant to extinguish any potential breakout by the lively Fijians. When the final whistle blew, Japan sent the ball to touch and immediately began their on-field celebrations, revelling in their history making win.

Commenting after the match, Sakura Sevens Captain Sakurako Yazaki said:

“Thank you for all the support of the Sakura Sevens. We are very happy to have placed in the top three in Dubai, our highest ever finish. The result is thanks to all the players and staff who have built the history of Sakura Sevens to this point. At the next tournament in Cape Town, we will continue to work together as a team to show the world the exciting brand of Sakura Seven’s rugby.”

Sakura Sevens Head Coach Yuka Kanematsu added:

“We’re delighted to start the season with our first ever medal in the World Series. Every match was tough, but the players fought hard until the very end, each playing their role. I am so proud of the players and staff who have changed the history of Japanese rugby. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the development of women’s rugby until today. In Cape Town we will continue to evolve Sakura Seven’s rugby in the search of our next breakthrough, and we thank you for all your support.”

The Sakura Sevens now set their sights on Cape Town for the second tournament of the series. Playing across Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, the Japan women will be looking to continue on from their strong start in Dubai as they take on the world’s best.