The Japan U17 Boys team proved too strong and skillful in the Asia Rugby U17 Boys Sevens tournament in Taiwan as they swept past the best youth teams from around the region in the Asia Youth Olympic Games Qualifier. And with their victory, claimed their ticket to next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Following a successful Day 1, Japan entered the semi finals as the fancied team as they took on hosts Chinese Taipei in front of a packed Tainan Stadium hoping for a miracle. Unfortunately, Japan
Unfortunately, Japan were not to be such hospitable guests as their playmaker, Haruhiko Uemura scored a brace of tries early and converted 3 of the 4 first half tries to push his side to a 26-0 half time lead and silence the home crowd. Uemura completed his hat-trick before being subbed late in the second half as Japan overwhelmed Chinese Taipei, 47-5.
In the other semi final, Thailand played their best game of the tournament as they dispatched of perennial rivals, Malaysia, 21-5 following a clinical first half effort that saw them lead 21-0. The second half saw Thailand slow the game and control possession as they eyed a spot in the final.
However, their semi final effort was not to be repeated despite a strong start in the final versus Japan as both Konishi and Nakanishi scored a brace of first half tries before opening the floodgates in the second half as Japan cantered to a 43-0 final victory over Thailand.
Nakanishi ended the tournament as the leading try scorer with 9 tries over the 2 days and Uemura lead all scoring with a tally of 74 points.
Hosts, Chinese Taipei finished 3rd overcoming a tiring Malaysia side in the 3rd/4th playoff in front of their vociferous supporters and Hong Kong won the Plate Final over Philippines, 29-0. India defeated Lao, 24-5 to finish 7th and UAE scored their first victory, 21-7 against Uzbekistan and claim 9th position.
Results
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Video On Demand
Hong Kong | Malaysibya | Japan | Philippines | Chinese Taipei | India | Lao | Thailand | UAE | Uzbekistan
