JAPAN’S SUNWOLVES STUNNED the Jaguares 36-28 in a pulsating clash of Super Rugby new boys this morning
After a run of seven defeats to open their Super Rugby existence, the Sunwolves’ success was largely made in Samoa. Out-half Tusi Pisi’s 18 points kept the Tokyo side in the game against the explosive Argentines, who led 13 – 18 at the break and 16 – 25 before Derek Carpenter’s beautiful line tore the game wide open with 23 minutes to go.
“To get this historic win in Japan is very special,” Sunwolves captain Shota Horie told reporters.
“We had to try to forget what happened in our last game (a 92 – 17 mauling from the Cheetahs) and put everything on the line today and luckily we did that.”
Jaguares captain Agustin Creevy crashed over early before Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino and Emiliano Boffelli added brilliant tries, but Juan Martin Hernandez missed all three conversions — which was to prove costly.
A converted try from Facundo Isa gave the visitors a 25-16 advantage before the Sunwolves, roared on by their army of howling fans, came storming back, sparked by a rousing try from Carpenter.
Pisi, who is set to join English second-tier club Bristol at the end of the season, held his nerve to fire the Sunwolves back in front 29-28 before Harumichi Tatekawa burst over with the final play to trigger wild scenes at the buzzer.
“I’m extremely proud,” said Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett after an emotional afternoon, “I had a bit of a tear-up in the box and that’s something I didn’t think I would have before I came here.”
Before the match, the teams observed a minute’s silence for the victims of last week’s deadly earthquakes in southern Japan.
“We were deeply sorry not to be able to bring the people of Kyushu any relief in our last game,” said Horie. “I would be very happy if this win can offer them some small hope at this difficult time.”
Two teams who have been criss-crossing the globe in recent weeks wilted as the second half wore on but Amorosino refused to blame fatigue.
“That’s the not the reason,” he said. “This tournament is very hard for everyone. We have to look at the video and start again.”
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