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Japan have beaten Italy soundly

Japan could be included in the proposed World Nations League. Photo / Getty Images.

Japan produced a dominant second-half showing to beat Italy 34-17 in the first match of their two-Test series in Oita.

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Italy went ahead in the 15th minute when Tiziano Pasquali crossed for the Azzurri but it was Japan who were in control for most of the opening period thereafter.

Japan captain Michael Leitch and Kenki Fukuoka combined to set up Amanaki Mafi, before Fukuoka sped away from the Italy defence and Yu Tamura added a penalty as the Brave Blossoms built a 10-point lead, only for it to be reduced to three when Braam Steyn powered over for Italy’s second try and Tommaso Allan again converted.

Allan then levelled matters with the boot after the restart but Italy’s momentum was checked as Japan resumed command.

Tamara nudged Japan back ahead with a penalty before the hosts scored two tries in the space of five minutes. Lomano Lemeki touched down after Shota Horie had knocked Tamara’s kick out wide into his path, with Kotaro Matsushima then putting the game beyond doubt.

The second Test takes place in Kobe next Saturday.

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SK 12 minutes ago
Jacques Nienaber's Galactico recruits are driving Leinster towards a fifth star

After 2003 South Africa were in tatters, Jake white was appointed as coach and was looking for inspiration. During the Trinations Schalk Burger produced his coming of age performance in New Zealand. He tackled and tackled and tackled some more and nearly got South Africa over the line. South Africa lost the 2 opening matches of that series but a massive rear-guard effort in Ellis Park saw them overcome the All Blacks. De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert hit the AB’s so hard in that game it was something many who saw it will never forget. The big hits just kept coming. A week later the Springboks would lift the Tri Nations trophy for the second time. They would also lift the 2007 World Cup on the back of many big hits and the rush defence pioneered by white. In 2018 Rassie looked for inspiration after a close call in Brisbane where the Springboks lost. Facing overwhelming odds the Springboks found their physicality in a battle for the ages against an All Blacks side brimming with confidence. They didnt always defend cohesively but some of the hits going in were stunning. Their intensity secured a couple of turnover tries and inspired a great victory. One year later on the back of that renewed intensity and the Nienaber rush they would win the World cup again. Winning physical contact is what the Springboks live for. It has become the foundation for all their great teams. It defines their success in the modern era of rugby. It gives them a surge like no other nation gets. You see the same thing in Leinster now. Every time a big hit gets made you see the excitement in the eyes of the players around. Their thirst for blood grows with every shot and you see the opposition cower. When a hit is made they dont stop, they swarm and they become ravenous for the ball. They are like a fighter who just wants more. One gets the feeling they will go all the way this year and their success will be built around that physicality. The next weeks will tell.

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