Junior Japan Win First Challenge
Junior Japan 31:(Tomoki Kishioka 1 pen, 3 con, 1 try, Siosaia Ofa 1 try, Yuta Kokaji 1 try, Yuta Kokaji 1 try, Rintaro Maruyama 2 con
Samoa A 21( Patrick Pati 1 try, Tonipo Iamanu 1 con, Simon Fauoo 2 tries, D’angelo Leuila 2 con)
What happened; Junior Japan drew first blood in the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge with a 31-21 win over Samoa A at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.
The Japanese got off to a strong start as they were able to displayed good counter attack and were structured in their defence which put the Samoans under the pump.
This resulted in Tomoki Kishioka scoring from a penalty.
Japan continued to apply pressure and scored their first try through centre Siosaia Ofa and Kishioka with the conversion.
Samoa regrouped just before halftime and scored their first try through Potu Levasa converted by Tonipo Iamanu. Halftime: Junior Japan 10-7 Samoa A.
Junior Japan lifted intensity at the restart as first five-eighth Kishioka ran in to score their second try which he also converted.
Samoa continuously failed to counter the Japanese at breakdown areas which allowed No. 8 Shota Fukui to dive in for their third try and converted by Kishioka. The Samoans lifted momentum mid way into second half capitalized on possession which saw winger Simon Fauoo scoring a double and converted by D’angelo Leuila which brought the score margin closer 24-21.
The Japanese youngsters displayed a brilliant work rate upfront against the Samoans forward pack which saw Yuta Kokaji scoring their fourth try and converted by Rintaro Maruyama.
Big Play; Junior Japan young forward pack was brilliant in their attacking structures and defence.
Star Turn: Samoa A regrouped well midway in the second half for a comeback.
Comments; Junior Japan captain Shota Fukui said; “ It was a tough match against Samoa A we managed to stick to our game plan and win.
Samoa A coach Brian Lima said;
“ Congratulations to Japan, our own mistakes cost us, we commit a lot of mistakes in the first half.”
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