Japan down Chile to take Rugby World Cup Pool D lead

Sunday, 10 September 2023 17:22

By Reuters

Japan ran in six converted tries as they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 42-12 bonus win against debutants Chile, who put on a brave face in searing heat and scored two tries in Pool D on Sunday.

After opening the scoring through a Rodrigo Fernandez early try, the South American team, the lowest ranked at this World Cup, added another with Alfonso Escobar as Santiago Vila slotted in a conversion.

Japan made the most of Chile's two yellow cards and general lack of discipline to prevail with a brace by Amato Fakatava and other tries from Jone Naikabula, Michael Leitch, Ryoto Nakamura and Warner Dearns, all six being converted by Rikiya Matsuda.

Chile, one of three South American teams in the tournament, take on Samoa in a week's time in Bordeaux and Pool D leaders Japan next face England in Nice on Saturday.

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