GNN Ads
TOKYO: Japan´s forward line put in a dynamic performance as the Asian champions extended their record winning streak to 10 games with a nail-biting 26-23 victory over Italy on Saturday.
Male Sau´s bulldozing try on the hour mark ultimately proved the difference for Japan but the home side had to survive a nervous finish before recording their first win in six meetings with the Azzurri.
Japan struggled in the lineout but they punched above their weight in the scrum, while Italy coach Jacques Brunel slammed his butter-fingered players as the Six Nations side lost their ninth game in a row.
Japan are now set to break into the world´s top 10 for the first time, but Jones insisted all that mattered was next year´s World Cup.
Japan are drawn in Pool B at the World Cup in England, alongside South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and the United States. They disappointed at the 2011 World Cup under former All Black John Kirwan, beaten by hosts New Zealand, France and Tonga before drawing 23-23 with Canada.
Full-back Ayumu Goromaru kicked 16 points for the Japanese, who came into the game boosted by a 37-29 away victory over World Cup opponents the United States last weekend.
Akihito Yamada´s fifth-minute try gave Japan the early initiative until a penalty try awarded after the winger´s knock-on gave Italy a foothold, the first half ending 13-13.Italy´s resistance appeared to crack when Sau crashed over following sustained Japanese pressure in the 60th minute, but a breakaway try from Robert Barbieri made for a cliff-hanging final five minutes. (AFP)
Male Sau´s bulldozing try on the hour mark ultimately proved the difference for Japan but the home side had to survive a nervous finish before recording their first win in six meetings with the Azzurri.
Japan are now set to break into the world´s top 10 for the first time, but Jones insisted all that mattered was next year´s World Cup.
Japan are drawn in Pool B at the World Cup in England, alongside South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and the United States. They disappointed at the 2011 World Cup under former All Black John Kirwan, beaten by hosts New Zealand, France and Tonga before drawing 23-23 with Canada.
Full-back Ayumu Goromaru kicked 16 points for the Japanese, who came into the game boosted by a 37-29 away victory over World Cup opponents the United States last weekend.
Akihito Yamada´s fifth-minute try gave Japan the early initiative until a penalty try awarded after the winger´s knock-on gave Italy a foothold, the first half ending 13-13.Italy´s resistance appeared to crack when Sau crashed over following sustained Japanese pressure in the 60th minute, but a breakaway try from Robert Barbieri made for a cliff-hanging final five minutes. (AFP)
