Japan defeats Italy 27-10 in Nations Championship

Japan opened their Nations Championship campaign with a convincing 27-10 victory over Italy in Tokyo on Saturday, playing under interim leadership while head coach Eddie Jones served a suspension. The win, Japan's first over Italy since 2018, was built on a strong defensive effort and clinical finishing in front of a sold-out crowd at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.

The match began with Italy striking first, as center Juan Ignacio Brex broke through the Japanese defense to score a try in the fifth minute. Japan responded quickly, with captain Warner Dearns powering over for a try just over five minutes later to level the score. The home side took control midway through the first half when fullback Takuro Matsunaga finished a slick passing move to score, converting his own try and adding a penalty to give Japan a 17-7 lead. Italy managed a penalty before halftime to trail 17-10 at the break.

Japan extended their lead early in the second half when flanker Ben Gunter, later named player of the match, muscled over the line after a sustained period of pressure. Matsunaga added another penalty after the hour mark to complete the scoring, with Japan's defense holding Italy scoreless...