Japan outmuscle Uruguay in Tokyo

Japan eased past Uruguay in Tokyo 34 – 15 today as their Rugby World Cup preparations get underway in earnest.

The Brave Blossoms will face the same foe again as part of four home Tests this summmer, with two Tests against France also scheduled.

Japan had too much firepower for Uruguay, with a combination of up-and-coming young players and veterans from their historic run to the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals.

Will Skelton on Champions Cup celebrations and playing for the Barbarians | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 38

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Will Skelton on Champions Cup celebrations and playing for the Barbarians | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 38

The big rig Will Skelton joins us from Monaco this week where he’s on tour with the Barbarians and rooming with George Kruis. He fills us in on the tour so far, hanging out at the palace with the Prince and who’s leading the charge off the pitch. We also hear about his man-of-the-match performance for La Rochelle in the Champions Cup Final, that famous open-top bus celebration and what it’s like playing for coaches like O’Gara and Cheika.

Coach Takanobu Horikawa took over as head coach when Jamie Joseph stepped down, but the New Zealander will return for the team’s second game against Uruguay in Kitakyushu next week.

“Over the 80 minutes we were in control and we were able to play with composure,” said Horikawa.

“We were able to show our style and do the things we have been working on for the past two weeks in attack and defence. I’m very satisfied with today’s game.”

At next year’s World Cup, Japan will face England, Argentina, Samoa, and a qualifier from the Americas.

Koga Nezuka and Tevita Tatafu scored first-half tries to put Japan ahead against Uruguay, before Kosuke Horikoshi, Koji Iino, and Takeshi Hino scored after the interval.

Four starters in Japan’s starting lineup made their debuts.

“It was nice to meet some new up-and-coming youngsters,” said second-row forward Wimpie van der Walt, one of only a handful of World Cup veterans in the side.

Diego Magno and Manuel Ardao scored tries in the second half for Uruguay, which will compete in the World Cup against hosts France, New Zealand, Italy, and an African qualifier.

“Our plan is to prepare for the World Cup by playing high-level matches like this to get experience,” said Uruguay head coach Esteban Meneses.

“I think there were a lot of good things to take from today’s game. We will try to improve and be in our best shape when the World Cup comes round.”