Japan was not far from a small feat, but it finally lost on the wire against Samoa (24-22) in a preparation match for the World Cup (September 8 – October 28) in France. Small feat because the Japanese were reduced to 14 in the 30th minute after Michael Leitch’s red card for a high tackle on So’otala Fa’aso’o.
The Brave Blossoms had however started the match very well with a try from debutant Amato Fakatava (6th). But after Leith was sent off, the Samoans took control of the game with tries from Alamanda Motuga and Jonathan Taumateine. Japan, however, remained in the game and even went back in front thanks to the boot of their opener Lee Seung-sin. But a try from Tumua Manu, which mystified Kotaro Matsushima shortly after the hour mark, gave the Samoans victory.
Japanese and Samoans will meet in Toulouse on September 28 in a Group D match of the World Cup.
