1
Japan extinguish impressive USA comeback to clinch top spot in Pool B
By Philip Bendon
Eddie Jones’s Japan completed an unbeaten pool stage run in the Asahi Pacific Nations Cup with a 41 – 24 win over the USA in Kumagaya.
The win ensured that Japan will avoid Pool A leaders Fiji in the semi-finals and will instead face defending champions Samoa next Saturday at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
Despite the loss, the Eagles still progressed through to the semi-finals courtesy of their round two victory over Canada setting up an enticing semi-final clash with the Fijians.
Coming out of the blocks hot, Japan raced into a 17 – 3 lead inside the opening twenty-five minutes with centre Nik McCurran dotting down in the 13th minute before secondrow Sanaila Waqa barged over in the 21st minute.
Adding to his team’s tally flyhalf Seungsin Lee slotted both conversions and a penalty whilst the USA’s Luke Carty responded with a penalty of his own.
Taking the fight to their hosts, the Eagles clawed their back from from a 31 – 10 deficit early in the second half.
Leading the charge for the Eagles was winger Nate Augspurger who bagged two tries, the second of which was pure class from the Chicago Hounds flyer as he stepped at full pace to leave the Japanese cover defence clutching at shadows.
Remaining calm in the face of an onslaught, Japan regained the ascendancy as Lee slotted a penalty to restore a two-score lead.
Sealing the deal five minutes later, Malo Tuitama would benefit from slick handling through the heart of the Eagle’s defence to dive under the posts.
Lee duly added the extra two points and within a flash the Japanese were seventeen points clear with fifteen minutes left to play.
Both sides will take plenty of positives into next weekend’s semi-finals following what was a highly competitive fixture.
Ahead of the contest, Eagles captain Greg Peterson spoke about Japan’s ability to start and finish hot which was once again the case with their best work coming in the opening and closing quarters of the fixture.
For the Eagles, their ability to stay in the fight even when they are firmly under the pump is a characteristic of a team willing to fight for one another. Throw into the mix their ever-improving ability to transition from defence to attack and one gets a picture of a team with solid foundations.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Wallaby reacts to the return of All Blacks enforcer Ethan de Groot
3
URC title-winning boss Franco Smith predicts this season's dark horses
4
Why South Africans are so sought after around the world
5
Latest Comments
Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
Go to comments