By Rich Freeman,
Fourteen-man Japan were beaten 24-22 by Samoa on Saturday at Sapporo Dome in the opening round of the Pacific Nations Series.
Local hero Michael Leitch was sent from the field for a high tackle in the 30th minute, and the hosts were outscored three tries to one as head coach Jamie Joseph's worries increase ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup.
"I am really disappointed obviously with the result. It is very difficult to win a test with a man down with 50 minutes to go," Joseph said.
The former Japan and New Zealand international tried to put a positive spin on the performance.
"We were confident at halftime in our own ability and playing. The game was always on edge even though we were a man down all the second half. We did well and stayed in the game until the very end but we were not quite good enough. If we had not lost a player, then I think the result would have been a little different."
But he also recognized that once again his team had made too many mistakes and need to be more disciplined.
"We need to be better all-round in skill and discipline."
Lee Seung Sin kicked five penalties and a conversion for the Brave Blossoms but was unable to get his backline going, with Japan's sole try coming from lock Amato Fakatava in the sixth minute.
Alamanda Motuga, Jonathan Taumateine and Tumua Manu touched down for Samoa, with Christian Leali'ifano adding three conversions and a penalty goal.
"It was exactly what we needed as a team. We were put under a lot of pressure and are very happy to come away with the win," said Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua.
The two teams will next meet on Sept. 28 in Toulouse, France, at the Rugby World Cup, and Japan will be well aware that Samoa have a number of experienced players to call on, Mapusua having taken the decision to leave them back at home this week following long club seasons in Europe.
"Our new players were put under a lot of pressure, and it is exactly what I was hoping for. This was their opportunity to put their hand up for a ticket to France, and some played really well and took their opportunity. We achieved what we wanted. First and foremost, to win and then to test ourselves against a top 10 side in the world," said Mapusua.
The Brave Blossoms play Tonga next week in Osaka and wrap up their PNS campaign on Aug. 5 against Fiji in Tokyo.
Those teams met earlier Saturday in Fiji, with the Flying Fijians beating 'Ikale Tahi 36-20.
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