(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan Claim Historic Women’s Rugby World Cup Victory After 31 Years
YORK: Japan made history on Sunday by securing their first pool-stage win in 31 years at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, defeating Spain 29-21 in a thrilling contest.
Japan’s Second-Half Comeback
Trailing 14-5 at halftime, the Sakura Fifteen launched a stunning turnaround by scoring four consecutive tries. Despite dominating possession and territory throughout, Japan’s patience in the second half proved decisive as Spain conceded 16 penalties and suffered repeated warnings from referee Sara Cox, who herself marked a milestone by becoming the first female referee to oversee 50 test matches.
Key Moments of the Match
-
Captain Iroha Nagata, playing as a flanker, powered through three tackles to spark Japan’s comeback.
-
Prop Wako Kitano, widely regarded as Japan’s strongest player, bulldozed over for the next try.
-
Wing Komachi Imakugi added another score to extend the lead.
-
Spain’s Anne Fernandez de Corres was shown a yellow card for head contact on Japan midfielder Haruka Hirotsu, who was substituted for a head injury check.
-
Replacement Jennifer Nduka capped a 20-phase attack with Japan’s fifth try, sealing the win.
Spain’s Struggles Continue
The result meant Spain ended its seventh World Cup campaign without a single victory for the first time in history.
A Milestone for Japan
Although Japan had previously won classification matches since 1994, this victory marked their first pool-stage triumph in three decades, a major boost for women’s rugby in the country.
