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International Men's Rugby
2025
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Jan 25
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JPN vs GEO
International Men's Rugby
Yurtec Stadium, Sendai
Japan
vs
Georgia
23
FT
25
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 23 - 25
It's a disappointing result for Japan, but given they were playing 60 minutes with just 14 men on the pitch against what is an incredibly physical Georgian side, it's not surprising they couldn't keep it up. Japan play host to Italy next weekend in Sapporo, while the Lelos head to Australia to take on the Wallabies in Sydney.
The Lelos also set up a couple of dangerous rolling mauls. There were a few that didn't quite go to plan, but those that did had Japan scrambling on defence to try and halt them. One of those instances resulted in Japan's yellow card late in the second half, with Georgia crossing the chalk again just moments later to retake the lead for the final time. While the visitors struggled at first to get the advantage up front, they hit their stride eventually and Japan really struggled to keep them under control once they got onto the front foot.
Georgia had surprising problems at scrum time, conceding a ridiculous number of penalties in the first half at the set piece before they finally managed to get one back towards the end of the 40 minutes when Japan only had 7 in the pack. They did manage to take that momentum into the second half though, putting the Brave Blossoms pack under enormous pressure and winning quite a few penalties as a result.
The discipline issues weren't over with the red card either. Both sides were shown another yellow in the second half, reducing Japan to 13 in the last 9 minutes of the game. It was during that time that the visitors crossed the chalk for the final try of the game, and the conversion was the final nail in the coffin that won the Lelos the game. Those 7 points were the only points Georgia added to their end of the scoreboard after the break, but it was just enough for the win.
An excellent win for Georgia in Sendai by the skin of their teeth. It was a proper tussle between these two sides, with a tight game on the scoreboard for the whole 80 minutes. Japan struck first with a try within the opening two minutes, but Georgia were able to hit back with two penalties to narrow the gap to just a single point before Japan were able to put more points on the board. And then things went horribly wrong for the home side, with Kanji Shimokawa being shown a red card with an hour of play still left. The Lelos were able to add two more trying on the board before the break to take the lead at halftime.
80'
Javakhia brings the ball down in the lineout again. Quick ball infield and it's Jalagonia with another barrelling run up into contact. Lobzhanidze with some short, sharp recycles as the Lelos look to wind down the clock... And it's immediately back for the clearance kick into the stands! Georgia take the win!
79'
Lineout set up halfway between the 10 and the 22. Quick ball off the top is spread infield through the hands. Switch back to the right wing where the ball comes loose and lands on the touchline...
78'
Lineout set up halfway up the 22. Tapped loosely off the top for the visitors. Jalagonia barges up into contact off the back of the set piece, driving up to the 5. Slow ball on the floor before it's popped infield for another hard carry. Japan get the penalty as Georgia dive in off their feet to seal it off!
77'
Monster shove from Georgia gets the scrum penalty!