YORK – Japan claimed the win at Rugby World Cup 2025 their performances have deserved, coming from behind to beat Spain 29-21 in Pool C at York Community Stadium on Sunday.
Story of the match
Japan made the most of their early pressure, moving the ball left from a scrum to send Sora Nishimura diving over in the corner.
Spain hit back, producing a series of impressive offloads after taking a quick tap penalty before Cristina Blanco Herrera scored under the posts.
Despite Japan dominating possession and territory for the majority of the first half, Spain struck again just before the break, Monica Castelo diving over the line from close range to extend their lead to 14-5.
But that was as it good as it got for Spain, though, as Japan came out for the second half with renewed intent. They scored three tries in 16 minutes before Spain lost Anne Fernandez de Corres to a yellow card.
Japan scored again through Jennifer Nduka before Spain had the final say with Victoria Rosell Martinez’s try after Claudia Pena’s stunning burst and offload.