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Late-game Matsushima tackle ensures Japan hold on to beat Tonga
Japan have bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Samoa by beating Tonga 21-16 in Osaka. The 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists got preparation for the upcoming finals in France off to a dubious start in Sapporo, a red card for Michael Leitch not helping in their 22-24 opening match loss.
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Leitch was banned on Thursday for three matches, a punishment that will be cut to two if he successfully completes tackle school. In the meantime, an XV showing six changes picked up the pieces versus the Tongans to grab what was Japan’s first Test match win since a June 2022 victory over Uruguay.
Ahead of opening their campaign in France with a September 10 encounter with Chile in Toulouse that will be followed seven days later with a clash against England in Nice, Japan produced an improved warm-up display that featured tries from Jone Naikabula, Amato Fakatava and Semisi Masirewa against a Tonga outfit that had tries from Sonatane Takalua and Samiuela Moli.
The Pacific islanders had more of the first half possession, enjoying 65 per cent of the ball, but Japan led 13-5 at the break.
Tonga twice cut that margin to two points in the second half but they couldn’t grab the converted score at the finish that would have given them the win, Kotaro Matsushima producing a try-saving tackle in the final moments.
Goosebumps from this Sipitau ???#GoWithTheBrave | #JPNvTON
pic.twitter.com/fFJq1L6i4d— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) July 29, 2023
Japan will now wrap up their home-based match preparations with a game next weekend in Tokyo versus Fiji, who have beaten Tonga and Samoa in recent weeks. Next up for the Tongans is a trip to Apia to play the Samoans.
The Brave Blossoms wrap up their Pacific campaign next weekend in Tokyo when they play Fiji, who beat Samoa 33-19 in Apia earlier in the day.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry to say, but sadly the sadas were just ordinary and havilli at 10 as an abs selection just won’t cut it. He’s better suited in the centre’s and is a victim of past charge down kicks, he’s too slow under pressure. There’s better talent further north and I don’t mean dmac however I believe razor will sort him out. A feature of his presents on the park is the fact that the guys will follow him.
7 Go to commentsMarler was brilliant throughout both in the scrum and open play. His slap made virtually no contact with Ramos who milked it for a penalty when he could have been a decent sportsman and laughed it off, it was non-violent and shouldn't have been penalised. Smith failed repeatedly to kick when necessary and put up a couple of bombs into the TLS 22 that just handed back possession at key moments to the other side.
3 Go to commentsCros was outstanding and rightly awarded France TVs player of the match award. Mallia was brilliant as usual (the y is below the 6 on a UK keyboard and he deserves better than that). Level also seems to have been scored harshly as he walked the ball into touch under pressure from a Lynagh kick from well outside his own half which should never have led to a 50-22. Agree with BullShark that Dupont, while class at times, seemed to go missing for patches in the second half with props, hookers and wings frequently filling in at 9 as he couldn't get off the deck and up to the next ruck on time. A 7 by his standards at best, his kicking was also too long, too often. Kinghorn's overall contribution was worth well more than a five.
3 Go to commentsThe Harlequins team must be in minus figures. Did the reporter actually watch the game?
3 Go to commentsHow on earth did Walker escape a red card? Not dangerous? Dupont has his face in a mask earlier this season. Shocking decision. What is the point of TMOs? We had the Fassi ‘non-penalty try’ yesterday and now this.
2 Go to commentsCould have been a different result but yet again French tv able to affect the result by not showing the very clear high shot on harlequin centre if this would have been on a French player would have been on screen at least five times
3 Go to commentsAmazing. The losing team’s ratings are higher than the winning team’s. Mallia definitely didn’t deserve a y. What game were you watching? Should have got a w or an x. ADP hardly featured in that second half. At one point I wondered when he’d been subbed. Seems to me as if he gets an automatic 9 just for getting onto the team sheet.
3 Go to commentsI’m sorry. That second half was far from enthralling. It was painful to watch.
2 Go to commentsVery generous! If you’d missed the game, reading this you’d conclude that it was the Quins front row that cost them the game. Marler getting a blanket 6 for his demented contribution to the game. Puzzling.
3 Go to commentsCan’t see Toulouse beating Leinster at this rate.
7 Go to commentsADP was having a very average game until winning that penalty for Toulouse, sticking his big head in the way. “The head of God”?
7 Go to commentsHarlequins doing their best to do as little damage as possible with all the possession. Looks like they skipped catch and pass drills this week.
7 Go to commentsSeeing pictures of Jacques high-fiving it with Irish players breaks my heart. Too soon. I need more time.
1 Go to commentsquins is all over the place. The minute they get the ball they panic. Quins can still win tho just need to win all rucks otherwise just don't bother.
7 Go to commentsGreat wins for the male & female kiwi sides. Ireland not far away..
1 Go to commentsWhy is this dude getting so much coverage? Usually knobs like this get cancelled.
2 Go to commentsWow. What was that? A 3 million word meandering article about what exactly?
2 Go to commentsNice piece of writing. And yes the Sharks pulled a rabbit from the hat and were a little lucky with that penalty try that wasn’t given… however the Sharks (with their resources) should be way more consistent and should be putting teams like Claremont away for breakfast. I expect more from them and hope they kick on now.
8 Go to commentsJust what the Sharks needed to get things going in the right direction Defence on the outside really creates havoc for the whole team and needs to be addressed.
8 Go to commentsWell done guys both teams will be ready to play knockout rugby.
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