Japan 27–10 Italy: match report & highlights

Full-time: Japan 27 – 10 Italy

Japan secured a commanding Nations Championship victory over Italy, establishing dominance in the second half after a tightly contested opening forty minutes. Italy struck first through Juan Ignacio Brex's early try, but Japan responded with impressive attacking rugby. Warner Dearns crossed for Japan before Takuro Matsunaga touched down and added the conversion to edge his side ahead. Italy kept pace with a Paolo Garbski penalty, yet Japan's precision set the tone at halftime with a five-point advantage.

The second half belonged entirely to Japan. Ben Gunter's try shortly after the restart extended Japan's control, with Matsunaga's conversion stretching the lead further. Italy managed a penalty through Garbski, but Japan's forwards and backline continued to dictate play with clinical execution. Matsunaga's final penalty capped a dominant display, confirming Japan's superiority in a match where their structured attacking play and composure ultimately overwhelmed the Italians.

Key moments

• 67' 67' Penalty: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 27 – 10 Italy
• 48' 48' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 24 – 10 Italy
• 47' 47' Try: Ben Gunter (Japan) — Japan 22 – 10 Italy
• 44' 44' Penalty: Paolo Garbisi (Italy) — Japan 17 – 10 Italy
• 25' 25' Penalty: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 17 – 7 Italy
• 17' 17' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 14 – 7 Italy
• 17' 17' Try: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 12 – 7 Italy
• 12' 12' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 7 – 7 Italy
• 11' 11' Try: Warner Dearns (Japan) — Japan 5 – 7 Italy
• 6' 6' Conversion: Paolo Garbisi (Italy) — Japan 0 – 7 Italy
• 5' 5' Try: Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy) — Japan 0 – 5 Italy

View the full match centre →

Highlights