For its entry into the World Cup, Japan was satisfied with the minimum by disposing with the offensive bonus of Chile (42-12), Sunday, September 10 in Toulouse. Largely favorites against the little Thumb of the event, the "Brave Blossoms" did not really impress but they knew each time to take advantage of their numerical superiority after the two Chilean yellow cards received by Matias Dittus (24th) and Martin Sigren (38th) to give themselves a little air at half-time (21-7).
Deprived of its captain Kazuki Himeno at the last moment, Japan, feverish defensively on several occasions, has indeed broken away thanks to the second try of its second line Amato Fakatava just before the rest.
Novice at this level, the Chilean debutants, 22nd team in the world ranking, had however ideally started its history in the World Cup by opening the score thanks to its number 10 Rodrigo Fernandez (6th). The latter had already largely contributed to the qualification of his family to this World Cup by scoring one of the most beautiful tries of last season during the decisive double confrontation against the United States.
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Strong performance from Brave Blossoms against a passionate Chile side today in their first clash of #RWC2023 🇯🇵 @chilerugby #GoWithTheBrave | #JPNvCHI pic.twitter.com/z6bdkcak6j
— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) September 10, 2023
Japan is reassured
As a symbol, Japan finally secured the offensive bonus through its former captain Michael Leitch, who is playing his fourth World Cup (28-12, 55th). The quarter-finalist of the last edition then gave himself a more comfortable lead at the very end of the match.
Not enough, however, to dispel all the doubts that accompany a team that remained on nine defeats in its last ten games.
Jamie Joseph's men will have to raise their level of play during their next meeting against the English, on September 17 in Nice. A summit meeting whose winner will then be in a privileged position to win one of the first two places.
A historic moment!
Chile face Japan in their first ever Rugby World Cup match. 🇯🇵 🇨🇱
---@chilerugby takes on @JRFURugby in its first-ever Rugby World Cup match. 🇯🇵 🇨🇱 #RWC2023 | #JPNvCHI pic.twitter.com/yWxSxzTfm3
— Rugby World Cup France 2023 (@France2023) September 10, 2023
On the occasion of the second day of this pool D, Chile – courageous and playful – will face Samoa in Bordeaux on September 16.
With AFP
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