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Japan and Hong Kong kick off with a win

Sunday 27th April 2008

Bryce Robins breaks away from the Korean defence

A new era in Asian rugby got underway on Saturday with the kick-off of the inaugural Asian Five Nations rugby series.

In the first weekend's action, Japan beat Korea 39-17 in the opening game.

Played in the shadow of the Incheon Munhak Stadium - one of the venues of the 2002 soccer World Cup - organisers hope that it will not be long before rugby games between Asian nations will be held regularly in stadia of such size.

The crowd that did turn up certainly got their money's worth, with the two longstanding rivals running in nine tries between them.

A year ago, Japan had hammered Korea 82-0, but it was a far more tenacious effort from the Koreans this time around.

They may have been outscored seven tries to two, but Korean coach Park Ki Haeng will probably be more satisfied with his team's performance than Japan coach John Kirwan.

"They looked a lot fitter and stronger," said Kirwan, when comparing the Koreans to the team that travelled to Tokyo last year.

"They outplayed us in the second half and lived off our mistakes. I think their coach can go away happy."

Tries by Go Aruga, James Arlidge, Hirotoki Onozawa, Bryce Robins and Hiroki Yoshida - with Arlidge slotting over two conversions - helped Japan to a 29-0 lead at half time as their forwards and backs combined well to constantly breach the gain line.

Replacement full back Tatsuya Kusumi then crossed two minutes into the second half as the Cherry Blossoms looked to run away with the game and keep the hosts scoreless.

But the Koreans showed characteristic pride and determination and answered with a well worked score by flanker You Young Nam, who plays his club rugby in Japan for Sanyo Wild Knights.

Kusumi added a second try following a sublime break by Arlidge, but Hong Jun Ki knocked over a penalty and was then on hand to add the extras to Kim Sung Soo's try in the final minute of the game.

The final five-pointer summed up the game.

Japan were on the attack in the Korean 22 but a wayward pass was intercepted by the impressive You. Some desperate tackling brought the flanker down just outside the Japan 22, but Park Wanyong and Soo were in support and the latter crossed to the delight of the locals in the crowd.

The win sees Japan, who play the Arabian Gulf next week in Osaka, top the standings on five points.

In the weekend's other Asian Five Nations, visiting Hong Kong edged the Arabian Gulf 20-12 in the match in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.

With thanks to the IRB