Sakura Fifteen Show Fighting Spirit in Cork
The Sakura Fifteen showed plenty of fight against Ireland in Cork on Saturday but were unable to match their performance from a week earlier in Galway, going down 43-19 in the second of their back-to-back test matches.
Despite the final scoreline, Japan demonstrated their attacking ability, scoring three tries and producing a strong passage early in the second half as they fought their way back into the contest against a powerful Irish side.
Japan made the perfect start, opening the scoring after just five minutes through flanker Sakurako Korai. Fullback Maiko Nishi added the conversion to give the visitors an early 0-7 lead.
Ireland responded with a try six minutes later and went on to control much of the first half, going into the sheds at half-time with a 22-7 lead. Japan’s case wasn’t helped when they were reduced to 14 following a yellow card to lock Masami Kawamura midway through the half.
Ireland extended their lead shortly after the restart scoring their fifth try. However, Japan responded soon after with a try to flanker Nami Asari, allowing them to keep the Irish in sight and not letting the match get away from them. Replacement prop Nijiho Nagata scored Japan’s third try to bring the Sakura Fifteen back to within ten points at 29-19.
It was another encouraging period for a young Japan side that has consistently demonstrated an ability to score tries throughout its European tour. As they had done in Galway a week earlier, the Sakura Fifteen showed their willingness to attack and their ability to put the fifth-ranked Irish under pressure when able to establish possession and momentum.
Ireland ultimately steadied themselves, scoring two further converted tries to stretch the final margin to 43-19. While the result was more decisive than Ireland’s 31-24 victory in Galway, there were again positive signs for Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa and his coaching team as this new generation of Sakura Fifteen players continues its development.
Japan scored four tries in Galway and another three in Cork, underlining the attacking potential within the side. The challenge will be to build greater consistency across the full 80 minutes and continue strengthening a defence that has been tested against high-quality European opposition over the past three weekends. Last week’s match similarly highlighted Japan’s attacking threat while identifying defence as an area for continued improvement.
The match in Cork brings to an end the Sakura Fifteen’s three-match European tour, which began against Italy in Pordenone before the two-match series against Ireland in Galway and Cork.
The Sakura Fifteen will now return to Japan and turn their attention to their upcoming Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 / WXV Global Series test against Wales on Saturday, October 24 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.
The match forms part of an historic men’s and women’s double header celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union. The Brave Blossoms will take on Fiji before the Sakura Fifteen face Wales, with both Japan teams wearing special commemorative jerseys to mark the JRFU’s centenary.
Sakura Fifteen 2026 Match Schedule
Friday 4 September
Japan vs Fiji
12-15 (L)
JAPAN BASE Fukuoka
Saturday 19 September
Italy vs Japan
55-21 (L)
WXV Global Series
Pordenone, Italy
Sunday 27 September
Ireland vs Japan
31-24 (L)
WXV Global Series
Galway, Ireland
Saturday 3 October
Ireland vs Japan
43-19 (L)
Cork, Ireland
Saturday 24 October
Japan vs Wales
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 / WXV Global Series
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 31 October
Japan vs Wales
WXV Global Series
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Stadium, Saitama