Scots fight vigourous Japan

HT Scotland 15 Japan 6

Scotland started their opening match of the World Cup in impressive fashion but a Japanese side full of vigour kept Ian McGeechan’s side honest in the first half it and could have been much closer than 15-6 at the break.

An offside against the Scots in the 22nd minute gave Hirose the chance to close the gap again, and he obliged to make it 12-6.

The Japanese were clearly buoyed by their success in stopping the early Scottish rampages, and made a threatening break-out in the 25th minute which was only prevented by some resolute defence.

As the Scots rallied and tried to roll their way out of danger through their forwards, they did well but were blocked by some eager and effective Japanese defence, resulting in a penalty that Hirose pushed just wide to the right.

A thrilling attack, started by number eight Takeomi Ito, then saw Ruben Parkinson link with lock Adam Parker before Gordon Ross made a superb covering tackle to prevent Parker going over in the corner just before the half-hour mark.

Moments later Chris Paterson looked odds-on to score as he stepped through the Japanese line but failed to link with his support and the chance was lost.

The fact that Japan were putting up a fierce fight was demonstrated when Redpath opted to take the kick for goal in the 32nd minute, Paterson converting to extend the lead to 15-6.

A clearing kick by James McLaren, otherwise impressive, drifted out on the full with five minutes left in the half and Japan subsequently had two superb chances to score tries before the break.

Flying left winger Hirotoki Onozawa looked certain to go over but was nailed in the corner by the cover defence, then right winger Daisuke Ohata produced a carbon copy on the opposite flank.

Hirose only just fell short with a penalty just on the half-time whistle.