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Japan bag win despite Chile impressing on World Cup debut
By PA
Japan got their World Cup campaign up and running with a 42-12 win over debutants Chile.
The Brave Blossoms, who were quarter-finalists in their home tournament four years ago, were made to work hard but got the job done thanks to tries from Folau Fakatava (2), Jone Naikabula, Michael Leitch, Ryoto Nakamura and Warner Dearns.
But Chile, playing on the world stage for the first time, left with their pride intact, scoring two tries through Rodrigo Fernandez and Alfonso Escobar to introduce themselves in style.
Indeed, a huge shock seemed possible after an electric start by the South Americans was rewarded with a seventh-minute try as Fernandez stole a loose ball after a good run by Ramon Ayarza.
Dreams were quickly shattered, though, as Japan hit back immediately with Fakatava powering through attempted tackles.
They went ahead on the half-hour as Naikabula burst over the line from a scrum before Fakatava got his second try on the stroke of half-time.
Escobar brought Chile back into it early in the second half as he carried over the line after a prolonged attack, reducing the deficit to 21-12.
Japan closed out the win though, with Leitch running clear in the 53rd minute, Nakamura side-stepping a defender soon after and Dearns completing the victory a minute from the end.
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Latest Comments
We beat Wales. Oh wow.
Go to commentsAs has been the way all year, and for all England's play I can remember. I missed a lot of the better years under Eddie though.
Lets have a look at the LQB for the last few games... 41% under 3 sec compared to 56% last week, 47% in the game you felt England best in against NZ, and 56 against Ireland.
That was my impression as well. Dunno if that is a lack of good counterattack ball from the D, forward dominance (Post Contact Meters stats reversed yesterday compared to that fast Ireland game), or some Borthwick scheme, but I think that has been highlighted as Englands best point of difference this year with their attack, more particularly how they target using it in certain areas. So depending on how you look at it, not necessarily the individual players.
You seem to be falling into the same trap as NZs supporters when it comes to Damien McKenzie. That play you highlight Slade in wasn't one of those LQB situations from memory, that was all on the brilliance of Smith. Sure, Slade did his job in that situation, but Smith far exceeded his (though I understand it was a move Sleightholme was calling for). But yeah, it's not always going to be on a platter from your 10 and NZ have been missing that Slade line, in your example, more often than not too. When you go back to Furbank and Feyi-Waboso returns you'll have that threat again. Just need to generate that ball, wait for some of these next Gen forwards to come through etc, the props and injured 6 coming back to the bench. I don't think you can put Earl back to 7, unless he spends the next two years speeding up (which might be good for him because he's getting beat by speed like he's not used to not having his own speed to react anymore).
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