JAPAN XV Defeat Hong Kong China
The JAPAN XV put last weekend’s heavy loss to Australia A in Osaka behind them with an empathic 14-59 victory over Hong Kong China at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Friday night. Their nine-tries-to-two performance was the perfect tonic to erase any lingering disappointment from Osaka.
Having recently qualified for their first ever Rugby World Cup in 2027, Hong Kong China would have come into the game brimming with confidence to be playing in front of their home fans. However, it wasn’t to be the host’s night, with Japan taking control of the game from the outset to put in an all-round performance in both attack and defence.
Unlike the week before in Osaka where the JAPAN XV were soundly beaten at both scrum time and in the lineout, against Hong Kong China they seemed like an entirely different team at the set piece. Their lineout functioned smoothly throughout the match, while their dominant scrum provided a solid platform from which to mount their chosoku attack.
The speed of the Japanese attack in the first half was blistering to say the least. Clearing ball from the base of the ruck at lightening speed and distributing to an array of attacking options in a backline that was humming with intent and assuredness, Japan ran their hosts off their feet in what was an attacking masterclass.
Following a breathless first half, both sides went into the sheds for a well-deserved break with the scoreboard at 7-33 in favour of the visitors.
While the relentless pace of the Japanese attack dropped off a few notches in the second half, they still managed to take their chances when they came. Rather than their 110% chosoku blitz attack of the first half, the JAPAN XV played at a more measured pace, finding space and hitting the gas when opportunities presented themselves.
The match was played in front of a healthy sized crowd at Hong Kong China’s new home of rugby, the stunning Kai Tak Stadium. While soundly beaten on the night, Hong Kong China played valiantly throughout the match, bringing the fight to Japan right up to the final whistle. With their first ever World Cup to look forward to, they will no doubt continue to improve as they build their team ahead of 2027.
Japan National Team Match Schedule
Saturday 18 October
JAPAN XV vs Australia A (Uncapped)
7-71(L)
Asahi Super Dry CHALLENGE MATCH 2025
YODOKO Sakura Stadium, Osaka
Friday 24 October
Hong Kong China vs JAPAN XV (Uncapped)
14-59(W)
Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong
Saturday 25 October
Japan vs Australia
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025
National Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 1 November
Japan vs South Africa
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
London
Saturday 8 November
Ireland vs Japan
Autumn Nations Series
Dublin
Saturday 15 November
Wales vs Japan
Autumn Nations Series
Cardiff
Saturday 22 November
Georgia vs Japan
Tbilisi