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Japan kicked off their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 27-10 victory over Italy in Tokyo on Saturday, despite the absence of head coach Eddie Jones.
Jones was barred from the stadium after receiving a four-match ban from the Japan Rugby Football Union for verbally abusing match officials during a tour of Australia earlier this year. Forwards coach Neal Hatley took charge on the touchline.
Japan recovered from an early setback after Italy, fresh from a strong Six Nations campaign that included a historic victory over England, struck first through Juan Ignacio Brex in the fifth minute.
The hosts responded quickly, with captain Warner Dearns crossing for the equaliser before full-back Takuro Matsunaga and flanker Ben Gunter added tries to seal a convincing win in front of more than 20,000 fans.
Hatley credited the result to the team’s thorough preparation and to the contributions of both the starting players and the substitutes. He said the team had enjoyed an outstanding week of preparation and that those who started laid the foundation before the replacements brought fresh energy.
“We thought we had an outstanding week’s preparation,” said Hatley.
“The men that were playing from the start made a big impact, and then the finishers added real energy to the team. It’s a really pleasing way to start, especially at home,” he added.
Japan also handed a debut to 21-year-old university student Ryunosuke Ito at fly-half. Despite being uncapped, Ito produced a composed display against experienced opposition.
Hatley praised the youngster’s decision-making, saying Japan wanted to play attacking rugby because it reflected the team’s identity.
Italy entered the fixture after equalling their best-ever Six Nations finish and securing their first win over England, but struggled to recover after Japan took control.
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada admitted Japan deserved the victory, saying the hosts outperformed his side throughout the contest. However, he commended his players for refusing to give up and for continuing to battle defensively despite the difficult circumstances.
“Our team never gave up, never stopped working, especially in defence,” said Quesada.
“It was a game where we could have stopped fighting but everybody put their bodies on the line to try and get back into the game.”
Dearns, who recently won the Super Rugby title with the Wellington Hurricanes, described the win as a collective effort. He said everyone involved with the team, including the coaching and medical staff, contributed to the result, adding that the squad approached the match with a winning mentality and remained fully focused.
“It came from the staff, the players, the medical staff, everyone,” said Quesada.
“We had a winning mindset. It was a great atmosphere in the team. Everyone was focused.”
Japan’s next Nations Championship fixture is against Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, before returning to Tokyo to face France. Italy will continue their campaign with matches against New Zealand in Wellington and Australia in Perth.
