Japan exited the Women's Rugby World Cup with their third straight defeat, falling 21-8 to Italy on Sunday in their final Pool B game in New Zealand.

Flanker Kyoko Hosokawa went over to draw level in the 30th minute and flyhalf Ayasa Otsuka made it 8-8 with a 49th-minute penalty at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, but that was as far as the 12th-ranked Sakura Fifteen managed.

Ayasa Otsuka of Japan is tackled during a Women's Rugby World Cup Pool B match with Italy on Oct. 23, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (World Rugby/Getty/Kyodo)

Michela Sillari kicked 11 points for fifth-ranked Italy, who opened through Maria Magatti's ninth-minute try and were 8-5 at the break. Melissa Bettoni scored two minutes from time to seal the win.

Japan lost their first match 41-5 to Canada before being beaten by the United States 30-17.

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Rugby: Japan remain winless at Women's World Cup after loss to U.S.

Rugby: Canada overpower Japan 41-5 in Women's World Cup opener