Japan player ratings vs USA | Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup
In their Pacific Nations Cup opener, Japan defeated the USA 41-24 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, showcasing strong performances from key players like Dylan Riley and Harumichi Tatekawa.
Despite a resilient effort from the young USA team, Japan’s strategic adjustments and standout moments ensured their victory and advancement to the semifinals as Pool B winners.
Below are the player ratings for Japan:
1. Shogo Miura – 6
Contributed in phase play but struggled to create momentum in the scrum.
2. Atsushi Sakate – N/A
Injured and left the field in the first half.
3. Keijiro Tamefusa – 6
Faced frequent penalties in the scrum during the first half, which will be an area for improvement.
4. Sanaila Waqa – 7
Maintained his presence near the opposition goal line. Scored a try from a strong forward drive.
5. Warner Dearns – 8
Although ball-carrying was better against Canada, his performance in the line-out was consistent.
6. Tiennan Costley – 8
Consistently reliable. Effectively broke up the opposition’s momentum by earning penalties.
7. Kanji Shimokawa – 7
Aggressively involved in low and painful plays.
8. Faulua Makisi – 7
Committed to various situations on both attack and defense.
9. Shinobu Fujiwara – 9
Showed significant improvement in ball handling around the ruck compared to the previous game against Canada.
10. Seungsin Lee – 8
Showed improvement in kicking game and performed calmly when filling in as full-back despite the lack of experience.
11. Malo Tuitama – 7
Made several gains and generated momentum when Japan played the “Cho-soku” (super-fast) game.
12. Nicholas McCurran – 7
Improved cohesions with Riley in their second match together.
13. Dylan Riley – 9
Not only was he instrumental in setting up the three first-half tries, but he also scored a try with his speed in the second half. Man of the Match.
14. Jone Naikabula – 8
Made an impact with his running and successful kick-charges showcasing his athleticism, until his injury.
15. Takuya Yamasawa – 6
Made his first start as a full-back under the current Japan team, and still adjusting to the team. Hoping for a strong performance to come.
Reserves
16. Mamoru Harada – 7 - Came on unexpectedly due to Sakate’s injury and immediately scored a try.
17. Takayoshi Mohara – 7 - Initially struggled with scrum penalties but gradually adapted to the game.
18. Shuhei Takeuchi – 8 - Though he didn’t display his trademark shouting, he demonstrated strength in the breakdowns.
19. Amato Fakatava – 7 - Returned to form and started his first match under Jones, maintaining his strength and running ability.
20. Isaiah Mapusua – 7 - Applied pressure to the opposition line-out.
21. Taiki Koyama – 8 - Came on as a finisher and sealed the game with strong defensive play.
22. Harumichi Tatekawa – 9 - Replaced Lee as fly-half and calmly managed the game, effectively guiding the team during a tense period.
23. Tomoki Osada – 8 - Maintained calm and error-free play in both attack and defense as usual.
Latest Comments
This is a nonsense phrase that has become popular when rugby fans describe their own teams.
Regardless of the game, or which team you favor, both teams are likely to have "left points behind" or "gifted" their opponents some scores.
The truth is that in these four games NZ were not good enough to impose themselves and deliver the wins. Teams can improve, and I hope NZ does so, but let's not avoid the fact that they tried and failed.
Its not "left wins behind", but "this year we weren't good enough".
Go to commentsHyperbole aside I must be honest I didn’t know there was such a negative perception of him
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