Japan recovered from a slow start in Toulouse on Sunday to score six tries in spoiling Chile’s World Cup debut.
Chile became the first Rugby World Cup debutant team in 12 years when they took to the field against Japan on Sunday afternoon, and it took them just six minutes to score their first ever World Cup try.
Chilean fullback Inaki Ayarza tore through Japan’s defensive line, beating several players and laying the ball off, only for it to be coughed up and then regained, with flyhalf Rodrigo Fernandez putting a cheeky grubber through to finish the first try of the match.
SIX. MINUTES.
⬆️ The time it took @Condores_rugby to score a try in their opening #RWC2023 match 🤯#JPNvCHI pic.twitter.com/KH3DOJBc3j
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 10, 2023
But Japan, ranked eighth in the world, responded within three minutes through a try from lock Amato Fakatava.
What a response from @JRFURugby 💥#RWC2023 | #JPNvCHI pic.twitter.com/nv6iGZVbpV
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 10, 2023
Japan led 19-5 at half time, and while Chile would manage another try later in the second half, the Blossoms remained comfortable leaders throughout the match.
Despite brave efforts from the debutant side, Japan remained composed and clinical throughout the 80 minutes to get their Rugby World Cup campaign off to a winning start, ending the match 30 points clear, with a scoreline of 42-12.
Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP