Japan on top again
Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:16
Japan won the second of their two-Test series against the USA Eagles 32-17 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground 32-17. This follows their 29-19 win in the first Test.
It was the first time in 18 meetings that Japan has recorded back-to-back wins over the Eagles.
The Eagles got off to the ideal start with Wyles crossing with just two minutes on the clock.
Japan fought back and Hatakeyama finished off a superb driving maul to bring the sides level.
The Japan backs then took over with Tomioka and Webb crossing following superb backline moves and Japan seemed to be in the driving seat.
But Yusuke Aoki and Bryce Robins were sent to the sin bin within two minutes of each other and Zimbabwean Ngwenya made the extra men count, sprinting over to make it 19-10 at the break.
Nicholas opened the second half with a penalty before another historic moment - the first try in Japan to be awarded by the television match official as Van Der Giessen won the race to touch down a charged down kick.
Kikutani then showed just why he was picked as Japan’s new captain. The flank came into the line out wide and, following a slight show of the ball, sprinted over for the decisive try in the 63rd minute.
Kirwan said afterwards: “Kiku has really stood up and taken on the leadership role. This has been a really positive month for us.”
On the match Kirwan said: “I am very, very proud of the players. We talked about history and beating them in consecutive games. That was a really tough physical and mental performance.”
Eagles' coach Scott Johnson said: “It was an entertaining game. There were some good tries. If I was a spectator I would have enjoyed it. But I am a coach; so I didn't.”
Scorers:
For Japan:
Tries: Hatakeyama, Tomioka, Webb, Kikutani
Cons: Nicholas 3
Pens: Nicholas 2
For USA:
Tries: Wyles, Ngwenya, Van Der Giessen
Con: Hercus
Teams:
Japan: 15 Kaoru Matsushita, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Bryce Robins, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Koji Tomioka, 10 Shaun Webb, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani, 7 Takashi Kikutani (captain), 6 Michael Leitch, 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Hitoshi Ono, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements: 16 Naonori Mizuyama, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Luke Thompson, 19 Masato Toyoda, 20 Tomoki Yoshida, 21 Masakazu Irie, 22 Piei Mafileo.
USA: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Junior Sifa, 11 Gavin DeBartolo, 10 Mike Hercus, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Pat Quinn, 7 Todd Clever (captain), 6 Inaki Basauri, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 John VanderGiessen, 3 Brian Lemay, 2 Mark Crick, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Joe Welch, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Courtney Mackay, 19 JJ Gagiano, 20 Chad Erskine, 21 Thretton Palamo, 22 Valenese Malifa.
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Thanks to Japan RFU
