TOKYO, JAPAN – Japan got their Nations Championship campaign off to a confident start, beating Italy 27-10 in Tokyo on Saturday (4 July) despite head coach Eddie Jones being absent due to suspension.

Italy scored first, having come into the game in good form after a strong Six Nations campaign that included a first-ever victory over England. Japan fought back, however, and went on to win comfortably.

Jones was banned from the stadium, serving the final match of a four-game suspension from the Japan Rugby Football Union for his behaviour toward match officials during a tour of Australia earlier this year.

Forwards coach Neal Hatley took charge in his place and watched Japan put in a solid performance in front of more than 20000 fans.

ALSO READ: Rennie era starts with victory as All Blacks hold off France in season opener

Japan dominate

Captain Warner Dearns, full-back Takuro Matsunaga and flanker Ben Gunter all scored tries for Japan, who started the game with uncapped university student Ryunosuke Ito at fly-half.

Italy made a bright start when Juan Ignacio Brex broke through to score in the fifth minute. Japan replied quickly, with Dearns crossing the line shortly after.

Matsunaga scored before half-time, finishing off a sharp passing move that cut through the Italian defence. Italy were then dealt a further blow when full-back Lorenzo Pani went off injured, and Matsunaga added a penalty to extend Japan’s lead.

Italy pushed hard at the end of the first half and kicked a penalty to reduce the gap to seven points at the break.

Busy schedule

Japan pulled further ahead seven minutes into the second half when Gunter scored after a period of sustained pressure. Veteran Michael Leitch came off the bench to win his 93rd cap and helped Japan hold onto their lead.

Japan’s next match takes them to Newcastle, Australia, to face Ireland on Saturday 11 July, before returning to Tokyo to play France on Saturday 18 July.

Italy face New Zealand in Wellington next weekend, followed by Australia in Perth.

ALSO READ: Springboks struggle to fill Ellis Park as economic woes and safety fears take their toll