Japan wins HSBC Asian 5 Nations

Japan ensured they wrapped up the Asian Five Nations on Sunday by beating Hong Kong 75-29 at Niigata’s Big Swan Stadium.

John Kirwan’s men ran in eleven tries to finish the competition with a maximum 24 points from their four games.

“We have been working very hard for five weeks, so it was important to win today,” said Kirwan.

Shaun Webb, Bryce Robbins and Go Aruga all touched down for a brace apiece, and there were further five-pointers from Yuta Imamura, Takuro Miuchi, Hirotoki Onozawa, Ryu Koliniasi Holani and Koji Shinozuka, as Japan made the most of their superior fitness.

James Arlidge added six conversions, Ryan Nicholas slotted over three and Webb added one.

Rowan Varty was Hong Kong’s hero. The 22-year-old fullback ran in three tries, with Justin Temara adding a conversion and two penalty goals and Kenzo Pannell knocking over two penalties.

“Hong Kong fought us well,” said Kirwan. “They put us under pressure as the scoreboard shows.”

It took Japan 16 minutes to get on the scoreboard when Imamura followed up on a chip ahead by Arlidge.

Japan followed that up with a further three tries as forwards and backs interlinked at will, and Webb’s second try on the stroke of halftime saw the hosts lead 35-6 at the break.

Japan added a further six tries in the second stanza, but a couple of interceptions and a charge down allowed Varty to cross the Japan line on three occasions.

“We will need to look at those,” Kirwan said of the defensive lapses. “But the players are willing to work hard and are proud to wear the Japan jersey and that makes me proud.”

Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU)