Roving OATH Reporter: Don "Wrestler" Edwards
Gloucester Docks was buzzing before the match with a good mix of kilts and kimonos. The Japan coach, Eddie Jones, had predicted that Scotland would struggle in the last quarter – oh how the Scots made him eat those words. At half-time, Scotland were a little lucky to be leading 12-7, with 4 penalties from the excellent Greig Laidlaw. Amanaki Mafi, Japan's stand out player, scored the only try of the first half. The Scottish fans were more nervous at that stage than a pack of small nuns at a penguin-shooting party. After the break, however, the Bravehearts put the Brave Blossoms to the (Samurai) sword, with some incisive running and clinical finishing. They scored 5 tries from John Hardie, Mark Bennett (2), Tommy Seymour and Finn Russell. Stuart Hogg caused the Japanese all sorts of problems in attack with his raw pace and a few cheeky wee shimmies, and deserved his standing ovation when he left the pitch. Scotland now top Group B, a point ahead of Samoa and Japan, with South Africa (yes, South Africa) a further two behind. The possibility of avoiding England at Twickenham awaits the Group winners.
No comments:
Post a Comment