Rugby World Cup 2015: Japan finish on a high

NZ Herald

11 Oct, 2015 09:25 PM2 mins to read

Japan's Amanaki Mafi, second left, celebrates scoring a try against USA. Photo / AP

Japan ended their stunning World Cup campaign on Sunday by beating the United States 28-18 to become the first nation to win three group games but fail to reach the quarter-finals.

The Brave Blossoms have already caused the biggest sensation in World Cup history by beating South Africa 34-32 in their opening Pool B game.

But the simple victory over the American gave a fitting sendoff to coach Eddie Jones, who now leaves the post having said Japan would be the "team of the tournament" if they got three wins.

The winning points came from Kotaro Matsushima, Yoshikazu Fujita and Amanaki Mafi tries, and the reliable kicking of full back Ayumu Goromaru, who took his Test points haul beyond 700.

For the US, their points came through tries to winger Takudzwa Ngwenya in the 25th minute and fullback Chris Wyles in the 72nd minute while fly-half Alan MacGinty added a conversion and two penalites.

The 2019 World Cup is the first time the tournament will be hosted by an emerging rugby nation, meaning the Brave Blossoms were under pressure to show they merit the award.

"The guys have all played above themselves, they have worked hard, they played with a real spirit, they played how rugby should be played," said Jones.

The Australian said he would definitely be heading for the Stormers in South Africa.

"I have done my job with Japan. When I took over Japan I wanted to bring pride back in the national team and I think we have done that so it is someone else's turn to take it over."

After the South Africa upset, Japan lost 45-10 to Group B runners-up Scotland, then beat Samoa 26-5.

The United States went into the match with only pride to play for, having lost 25-16 to Samoa, 39-16 to Scotland and 64-0 to South Africa.

Japan supporters among the 14,517-strong crowd wore kimonos, while some US visitors were dressed head to toe in Elvis Presley jumpsuits. One Japan fan had his body painted with a message thanking Jones.