Rugby World Cup 2019: aerial errors plague Japan in nervy opening win against Russia
- Hosts run out 30-10 winners against a fatigued opponent, but the tournament hosts did not look truly comfortable
Japan ran out 30-10 winners against a fatigued opponent, but the tournament hosts did not look truly comfortable right from the kick-off as captain Michael Leitch failed to claim the ball and Russia earned an early line-out.
Fly half Yu Tamura had an early kick charged down, before full back Will Tupou, who struggled all night under the bright lights of Tokyo Stadium, dropped a Russian kick, allowing Kirill Golosnitskiy to score the opening try of the tournament.
Although Japan, technically superior and much fitter than their opponents, clawed back control of the match they were still dogged by difficulties under the high ball.
Tupou in particular struggled and even hat-trick hero Kotaro Matsushima was guilty of stepping into touch catching a Russian clearance.
It was an area South Africa targeted and benefited from in their 41-7 victory over Japan earlier this month and the Brave Blossoms’ next opponents Ireland will be licking their lips at the thought of exploiting this vulnerability.