Day one of IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Freire and Temuco in southern Chile provided no major surprises with pre-tournament favourites Japan and Italy securing bonus-point wins while Canada and Chile also managed victories.
A hat-trick from speedy winger Kai Ishii was enough for last year’s beaten finalists Japan as they ran out 40-20 winners over Uruguay. Meanwhile, Italy beat Namibia 33-7, Canada were a 24-6 victor against Tonga and the home side secured an 18-6 win against Portugal in front of 4,000 supporters in the Germán Becker Stadium in Temuco.
These young Japan players will be keen to show their star credentials and use the experience of playing at an IRB tournament to their advantage, particularly with an eye on a home staging of Rugby World Cup 2019.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL REPORT FROM DAY ONE >>
The next round of matches will take place on June 1.
