Quarter-finalists from 2019, Japan, continue to struggle ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, leaving their head coach Jamie Joseph with plenty to correct.
The Brave Blossoms began the Pacific Nations Cup in frustrating fashion after going down 24-22 to Samoa on Saturday.
Michael Leitch’s red card no doubt played a significant part as the Pacific Islanders touched down three times after the back-row departed the field.
It summed up the Asian side’s struggles since the last World Cup, who have lost their last seven encounters.
Improving the discipline
“I am really disappointed obviously with the result. It is very difficult to win a Test with a man down with 50 minutes to go,” Joseph told Kyodo News.
“We were confident at half-time in our own ability and playing. The game was always on edge even though we were a man down all the second half.
“We did well and stayed in the game until the very end but we were not quite good enough. If we had not lost a player, then I think the result would have been a little different.
“We need to be better all-round in skill and discipline.”
Japan battled well against a talented Samoa side but confidence is evidently low as Joseph blamed the errors from their experienced players for the narrow defeat.
“I thought our forwards kept us in the game,” he said. “They defended very well against a very direct and physical side. We put them under pressure at line-outs and that stopped their flow and that kept us in the game.
“The young guys did well and made an impact. The guys dropping the ball were the experienced players. In Test matches, there is pressure, and we need to be better under pressure.”
Samoan delight
In contrast to the Japanese, Samoa were delighted with both their result and performance as they opened their Pacific Nations Cup campaign in fine style.
“It was exactly what we needed as a team. We were put under a lot of pressure and are very happy to come away with the win,” said Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua.
“Our new players were put under a lot of pressure, and it is exactly what I was hoping for. This was their opportunity to put their hand up for a ticket to France, and some played really well and took their opportunity.
“We achieved what we wanted. First and foremost, to win and then to test ourselves against a top 10 side in the world.”
READ MORE: Fiji hold off Tonga to clinch Pacific Nations Cup victory in Lautoka
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