3 tries that powered Japan past Italy 27-10 in Tokyo

More than 20,000 people watched Italy strike first in Tokyo, only for the mood to swing sharply as Japan found space and kept finding points. Juan Ignacio Brex crossed in the fifth minute, but the hosts answered quickly and never trailed again. Japan won 27-10 in their Nations Championship opener, scoring through Warner Dearns, Takuro Matsunaga and Ben Gunter. The victory came with head coach Eddie Jones barred from the stadium as he completed a four-match suspension.

How Events Unfolded

Italy made the cleaner start. Brex broke through Japan's defence for a fifth-minute try after the visitors had pushed the hosts deep into their own half. That early score suggested a difficult evening for Japan, but captain Warner Dearns replied just over five minutes later by forcing his way over the line.

Matsunaga then shifted the match. In the 16th minute, Yuya Hirose broke the line and released the full-back with a draw and pass. Matsunaga finished the move, converted his own try and later added a penalty. Paolo Garbisi's penalty on the final play of the first half cut Japan's lead to seven points.

The decisive stretch came soon after the restart. Ben Gunter powered over seven minutes into the second half, and Matsunaga added another penalty. The match statistics showed why Italy could not turn possession into points: they lost the ball 24 times, compared with seven turnovers lost by Japan.

Italy still had almost 90 per cent possession between the 52nd and 62nd minutes, but Japan protected their lead and kept the visitors away from a meaningful comeback. Michael Leitch came off the bench for his 93rd cap as the hosts closed out the game without conceding again.

Under the Surface

Japan's win was built on a sharp contrast between possession and efficiency. Italy had more of the ball and territory for long spells, yet their errors repeatedly ended attacks. By the 71-minute mark, they had made 17 handling errors to Japan's four. Japan needed fewer openings because they converted enough of them.

Matsunaga was central to that control. His try, three conversions and two penalties produced a 17-point haul, more than half of Japan's total. The kicking points kept stretching the gap, while Italy's repeated turnovers made sustained pressure difficult to convert into a second try.

There was also a major selection gamble behind the result. Japan started uncapped 21-year-old university student Ryunosuke Ito at fly-half after his performances for Meiji University earned him a call-up. Before the game, Neal Hatley said Ito suited the attacking style Japan wanted to play; afterwards, he praised the debutant's decision-making.

Jones's absence added another layer. The Japan Rugby Football Union had suspended him for four matches for abusing match officials on a tour of Australia earlier in the year. Forwards coach Hatley took charge at the stadium, and Japan still produced a controlled home performance.

Voices & Opinions

Hatley linked the result to preparation and the impact of the full squad, not only the starters.

We thought we had an outstanding week's preparation.

He also framed Ito's display as a fit with Japan's preferred identity.

The way that we set out to play, we wanted to be an attacking team.

Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada was direct about the gap between the sides while still crediting his team's effort.

Our team never gave up, never stopped working, especially in defence.

Putting It in Perspective

The result carries weight because Italy arrived after matching their best Six Nations finish, placing fourth and beating England for the first time. Japan, meanwhile, began the match without their head coach in the stadium and with a debutant university student at fly-half. That combination made the margin and control of the victory especially striking.

For UK viewers, the match was an early Saturday fixture, kicking off at 9.40am BST and shown free on ITV4 and ITVX, with live viewing requiring a current TV Licence. The result also offers a useful marker before both teams face stronger tests in the next round.

Japan's clinical edge is the clearest takeaway. Three tries, two penalty goals and three conversions were enough to punish an Italy side that could not protect the ball. The scoreline was not driven by constant Japanese possession; it came from doing more with the chances available.

Looking Ahead

Japan next travel to Newcastle, Australia, to face Ireland, then return to Tokyo to play France. Italy head to Wellington to play New Zealand next weekend before facing Australia in Perth. Those fixtures will test whether Japan can carry the same efficiency into the rest of the Nations Championship and whether Italy can cut down the handling and turnover problems that damaged their opener.

FAQ

What was the Japan v Italy rugby score?

Japan beat Italy 27-10 in Tokyo in their Nations Championship opener.

Who scored Japan's tries against Italy?

Warner Dearns, Takuro Matsunaga and Ben Gunter scored Japan's three tries.

How many points did Takuro Matsunaga score?

Matsunaga scored 17 points from one try, three conversions and two penalties.

Why was Eddie Jones absent?

Jones was serving the final match of a four-game suspension imposed by the Japan Rugby Football Union for abusing match officials on a tour of Australia earlier in 2026.

Who was Japan's fly-half against Italy?

Ryunosuke Ito, a 21-year-old Meiji University student, made his international debut at fly-half.

Who do Japan and Italy play next?

Japan face Ireland in Newcastle, Australia. Italy play New Zealand in Wellington before later facing Australia in Perth.