Japan start Three Nations with win
Tokyo
May 13, 2001

Japan beat South Korea 27-19 in Tokyo the opening match of the inaugural Three Nations Cup, which also includes Taiwan.

Down 17-19 thanks to a penalty kick by Korean fly-half Kim Jae-Sung, Japan looked out of it with only five minutes left on the clock at the Chichibu Memorial ground.

But a bulldozing try by prop Masahiko Toyoyama three minutes from time saw the Japanese edge the verdict and they will go into the away match with Taiwan on 27 May in good heart.

Wing Toru Kurihara converted Toyoyama's try and added a last minute penalty for a personal total of 15 points as Japan recorded their third consecutive victory against their premier sporting rivals

Korea, who host Taiwan in Seoul next Sunday, were on top in the second half and had much of the possession, but Japan proved solid in defence and made the tackles when they counted.

Japan's new coach Shogo Mukai gave five of his starting line up, including Tongan born centre Nataniera Oto, their Test debuts.

Kurihara knocked over three penalties then Japanese speedster Terunori Masuho rounded off a quick tap penalty from livewire scrumhalf Shinichi Tsukida.

South Korea responded when Kim Jae-Sung converted a penalty and lock Kim Dong-Sun burst through to narrow the deficit to 14-8. Replacement full-back Sung Hae-Kyung kicked a further penalty to leave the half time score at 14-11.

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