Kotaro Matsushima shined as the hosts got off to the perfect start against a Russian side who were unfortunate not to score more points at the Tokyo Stadium.
Russia struck first after a very nervous start from hosts Japan. William Tapou fumbled a kick up the field which allowed Kirill Golosnitskiy to capitalise. This try was convered, which put the Russians 7-0 up. However, Japan settled in very quickly after that. Kotaro Matsushima managed to get the hosts off the mark just after 10 minutes in to the match, despite a wayward conversion keeping Russia in front.
Matsushima thought he had got his second try of the game five minutes before half time, with the on-field verdict being a try. However, after a TMO review, the try was ruled out. Replays showed that the Japanese player had little control of the ball as he came across the line. Despite this, Matsushima did get another try before the interval, this was converted which put Japan 12-7 up at half time.
Although it was Russia who needed a quick start to the second half, Japan got the first breakthrough after the interval. A penalty right in front of the posts extended the hosts’ lead to eight points. Japan didn’t stop there, a solo run from Labuschagne allowed Japan to score another try. Disappointingly, the conversion was missed although Japan were now heading for a rout if they could keep up this momentum.
Russia managed to get themselves back on track just after the hour mark, with a converted penalty from Yury Kushnarev. Tamura made up for previous missed conversions by converting a penalty of his own from long range just a few minutes after.
Matsushima did manage to get his hat-trick for the hosts, with the conversion putting Japan 20 points ahead of the opposition. The game finished 30-10 in Japan’s favour, a respectable start for both sides.
Japan face a trickier test in their next match against Ireland, whilst Russia next face Samoa in Kumagaya next Tuesday. Japan have a slightly longer rest and don’t play Ireland until next Saturday.
The match at the Shizuoka Stadium could be vital, as the hosts look to take one of the two qualifying spots in Pool A. Ireland and Scotland will both be in strong competition with Japan as all three would be disappointed not to get a spot in the knockout phase.
Japan Starting Lineup: Tupou, Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Lemeki, Tamura, Nagare, Inagaki, Horie, Valu, Van der Walt, Moore, Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno.
Tries: Matsushima x 3 (2 converted), Labuschagne
Penalties: Tamura x 2
Russia Starting Lineup: Artemyev, Davydov, Ostroushko, Gerasimov, Golosnitskiy, Kushnarev, Dorofeev, Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin
Tries: Golosnitskiy (converted)
Penalties: Kushnarev
Final Score: Japan 30 – 10 Russia
Referee: Nigel Owens
Stadium: Tokyo Stadium
As it stands: Pool A
1st: Japan – Played: 1 | Points: 4
2nd: Ireland – Played: 0 | Points: 0
3rd: Samoa – Played: 0 | Points: 0
4th: Scotland – Played: 0 | Points: 0
5th: Russia – Played: 1 | Points: 0
