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Japan beat Hong Kong 27-12 in the finale of the Asia Rugby Women's Championship.

Sports Image Plus

May 23, 2015

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Saturday, 23rd May 2015 in Hong Kong, Japanese women being crowned Asian women’s champions after defeating Hong Kong 27-12.

In a tight fought encounter played in testing and difficult conditions the Sakura XV ran in five tries to seal the title in front of a good and vocal crowd that defied the weather that eventually forced the men's test to be abandoned after 13 minutes.

Japan No.8 Mateitoga Bogidraumainadave was the standout performer on a day a number of players from both sides caught the eye. The Japan No. 8 scored three tries and ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

“It feels awesome and still hasn't sunk in,” she said after the game.“We came here wanting to win but we had a really young side. But we played to our strengths in the forwards and kept the pressure on them even when we had the yellow cards.”

Japan had three players sent to the sin bin in the second half, including Bogidraumainadave, but they kept their discipline and tackled bravely.Fullback Adrienne Garvey was the pick of the Hong Kong players, creating tries for Ivy Kwong Sau Yan and Natasha Olson-Thorne, but Japan, led by no 15 Ai Tasaka, maintained their composure for the win.

The home team defended bravely and trailed 15-12 entering the last quarter before the Japanese ran in two tries in the dying minutes to clinch victory.Maki Takano scored Japan's first try before the victory was wrapped up by Emi Ito, who raced 55 metres for a try following yet another good catch and counter-attack from Tasaka.

“In the first half we were a little bit nervous,” said Japan coach Goshi Arimizu, whose side contained four teenagers in the backs.“But we played much better in the second half. The whole purpose of the game was to give the young players experience and I thought (17-year-old centre) Riho Kurogi played really well, especially in the second half.

Japan’s win represents a seismic shift in Asian women’s 15s with defending and perennial champions Kazakhstan unseated to finish as runners-up while Hong Kong claimed third spot.

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