Historic first win for Japan over Wales (23-8)
Japan took a great leap forward in their bid to become a serious contender for the Rugby World Cup on home soil in 2019 by
beating Wales in Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya Stadium on Saturday, 15 June. Eddie Jones had instructed his side to show more aggression, and the Brave Blossoms had certainly taken the lesson to heart since last week’s narrow defeat in Osaka.
Though Wales dominated possession in the opening 10 minutes, it was Japan who took the lead through an
Ayumu Goromaru penalty kick in the fifteenth minute. Despite a Welsh equalizer seven minutes later, Japan had turned on the heat in an already boiling stadium, and were a constant threat to the Welsh defensive line. Uncharacteristically, Chichibunomiya was filled to the rafters and
the audience carried their team with a steadfast “Nippon, Nippon” echoing around the grounds. Wales was momentarily in the lead during the opening of 2nd half but Japan showed no mercy in exploiting the gaps in Wales defence, and showed admirable determination at the breakdowns.
Tokyo Crusaders took the opportunity to enjoy a “rugby free” day in the off-season, and continued the evening by watching New Zealand humiliate France and Lions destroy Waratahs at a sports bar in downtown Tokyo.
If you’re keen to join the fun,
get in touch with Tokyo Crusaders. We play full-contact 15s from August to May, and 10s, OZ-tag, Beach and other throughout summer. There’s also room for fans of the game and temporary visitors. We’ve been known to share a pint or two in connection with ‘the more beautiful game.’
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