Japan rout UAE 93-3 in Asia Five Nations

DUBAI (AFP) –

Japan’s Takashi Kikutani (C) is tackled by UAE’s Renier Talbot (R) and Steve Smith during their Asian Five Nations rugby match at the Sevens stadium in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on May 10, 2013.

Japan continued their brilliant run in the Asia Five Nations with a 15-try, 93-3 rout of hosts UAE on Friday.

Japan, who have already clinched a sixth straight Asian title, were held to just seven points in the first 20 minutes, but the spirited defence of UAE gave away after that as the visitors ran in 15 tries.

UAE’s only points on the board came after 50 minutes of play when James Ham kicked a 35-yard penalty.

Japan led 41-0 at the break, with Yuta Imamura grabbing a first half hat-trick of tries.

They then completely dominated the second half, adding eight tries to seven in the first half.

Takashi Kikutani also ran in a hat-trick for Japan, while Imamura added another in the second half to take his final tally to four.

Only nine conversions were made, with Harumichi Tatekawa succeeding five times.

Despite the 90-point loss, UAE coach Duncan Hall was pleased with his team’s efforts.

“It was a fantastic effort. The scoreline doesn’t take into account our application. Against the odds, it was fantastic,” said Hall.