Rugby: 14-man Brave Blossoms wilt against Georgia

Down a man for most of the game, Japan fell 25-23 to Georgia on Saturday in Eddie Jones’ second test since being re-appointed head coach.

With a Georgia player in the sin bin and their numbers even, the Brave Blossoms took their last lead at Yurtec Stadium Sendai when Tomoki Osada crossed in the 64th minute after a spell of prolonged pressure at the try line.

Down two men after a 72nd-minute yellow card, the hosts foiled a series of Georgia attacks but surrendered the winning try as the Lelos’ size and power eventually proved unstoppable.

Japan started extremely well as Jone Naikabula scored an impressive third-minute try as a result of a speedy unstructured attack that had Georgia on the back foot from the opening kickoff.

A pair of Luka Matkava penalties brought Georgia within a point at 7-6 before Lee Seung Sin kicked one in return for Japan.

The game then turned when Kanji Shimokawa was sent off for dangerous play, and Georgia responded immediately with hooker Vano Karkadze scoring from a rolling maul to make it 11-10.

A second penalty from Lee and a converted Mikheil Alania try saw Georgia lead 18-13 at the half. Lee’s third penalty goal cut Japan’s deficit to two points to set up the wild finish.

“We had opportunities to win the game, but we weren’t quite good enough under the circumstances,” Jones said. “I’m respectful of the effort we put in but congratulations to Georgia.”

Japan, who lost 52-17 to England on June 22, will take on Italy on July 21 at Sapporo Dome.

Japan players (in white and red) show their disappointment after losing their rugby test to Georgia at Yurtec Stadium Sendai on July 13, 2024. (Kyodo)

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