Japan defeated USA 41-24 to book a Pacific Nations Cup 2024 semi-final clash against Samoa next week.
A nervy Japan side were unconvincing at times but ultimately the gulf in quality told as the hosts recorded their second win in the tournament after thrashing Canada in round one.
The 2019 World Cup organisers won Pool B with little resistance after they followed up on a 55-28 win over Kingsley Jones’ hapless Canada side by beating Scott Lawrence’s overmatched side in Saitama.
Toyota Verblitz centre Nicholas McCurran made the breakthrough after 14 minutes before Kintetsu Liners lock Sanaila Waqa powered over the line eight minutes later.
America replied through Australia-born number eight Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz after 30 minutes.
Toshiba’s League One-winning hooker Mamoru Harada replaced injured Saitama counterpart Atsushi Sakate and immediately crossed to bolster Japan’s advantage.
Saitama’s Dylan Riley, who carved up the visitors at will, scored a deserved try before San Diego Legion’s Nate Augspurger scored an impressive brace to breathe life back into the game.
Japan sealed a hard-fought win after neat interplay from Kubota’s Harumichi Tatekawa and player of the match Riley put Shizuoka newcomer Malo Tuitama through for his second try for Japan.
Japan play Samoa in the semi-final on Sunday 15 September at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo 24 hours after Fiji face USA in the same venue.
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