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Pacific Nations Cup
JPN vs USA
Pacific Nations Cup
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya
Japan
vs
USA
41
FT
24
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 41 - 24
That is all we have for you in this Pacific Nations Cup match from Japan. Thanks for tuning into Tribe's coverage and until next time, I'm Dan Gread saying good evening.
It was a solid performance from Japan across the park. The likes of Waqa and Costley were good, while Lee, McCurran and Tuitama were excellent out the back. The standout for the USA and arguably across both sides was Fa'anana-Schultz who was a beast in the middle of the park. Carty had an excellent night with the boot and they will have another chance for improvement in the semi finals next weekend.
So Japan hang on for the win and go to the top of the Pool B standings. They were solid throughout this game and were able to get over the USA with speed rather than power. After a comfortable lead at the break, it was extended soon after the break with a great try to Riley. The USA came charging back into the match, with Augspurger dotting down twice quickly. Japan were able to remain calm and score a fanastic try with Tuitama going under the bar late to put the match away.
80+1'
The hooter goes as the ball is thrown into the line out. Japan bring it down and crash forward with Costley! He is 10 out and then the ball is knocked on! Smith puts the ball up the left into touch from the base of the ruck and Japan come away with the win.
80'
Koyama feeds the scrum and Japan get a good shove going! They come away to the right and then switch back into the middle with McCurran. Lee puts the kick through on the right! Wilson goes to the sideline to grab it and does well to stay in the field of play near his own line. Smith puts it up the edge into touch around his 22.
79'
The USA bring down the line out and Besag goes around the back but runs into his own man. Accidental obstruction is the call. Scrum for Japan inside the USA 10 metre line in the middle of the park.
78'
Another scrum goes to ground but it is allowed to play on! Tatekawa comes to the right edge and fires it up the line into touch around halfway. He has a massive punt off that right foot!
77'
Helu brings down another line out as the USA look to drive. Japan counter on the drive as the USA shift it into the midfield! It has been put down by Lopeti crashing forward and Japan will have the scrum feed 15 out from their line in the middle of the park.
76'
Helu brings down the line out as the USA move it into the middle of the park. Smith has slow ball and comes back to the left where there are plenty of numbers. Back into the middle with McNulty. Smith chips and chases but they come back for the penalty that was under advantage near the 10 metre line. Not rolling away against Japan. Touch is found up the left just 5 out by Carty!