Japan Runs Over Chile in Their Rugby World Cup Opener in France as Brave Blossoms Score Six Tries
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10782200.jpg)
Ryoto Nakamura scores a try in the 31st minute in the second half.
14:16 JST, September 11, 2023
TOULOUSE, France — Japan’s national rugby team got off to a winning start in its Rugby World Cup campaign by thrashing Chile 42-12 on Sunday.
Japan scored six tries, led by Amato Fakatava with two, to earn five points from the victory, including a bonus point for scoring four or more tries.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10782212.jpg)
Amato Fakatava scores a try in the first half.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10781712.jpg)
Japan’s Amato Fakatava runs to score his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Chile at Stadium de Toulouse in France on Sunday.
The Brave Blossoms sit atop Pool D in the tournament being held in France.
The stage is now set for Japan’s next match, on Sept. 18 at 4 a.m. Japan time, against England, which is in second on four points.
England is ranked eighth in the world, while Japan is 14th and Chile is 22nd.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10782195.jpg)
Keita Inagaki stops the attack of a Chilean player in the first half.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10781718.jpg)
Japan’s Michael Leitch breaks a tackle to scores his team’s fourth try during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Chile at Stadium de Toulouse in France on Sunday.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10782206.jpg)
Kotaro Matsushima vies for the ball with a Chilean player in the second half.
"Sports" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
New Uniforms to Protect Athletes against Secret Photographing
-
Shohei Ohtani, Wife Mamiko Walk Red Carpet Before All-Star Game; Jacket Lined with His Dog Dekopin
-
Onosato Moves Up to Sekiwake for Nagoya Tourney
-
Japan Olympic Athletes Gather for Official Launch Ceremony; Later Attend Send-Off Party with 6,000 Fans
-
Struggling Yokohama F Marinos Sack Harry Kewell
JN ACCESS RANKING