Japan beat Germany 19-14 in the final of the World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier in Hong Kong to book their place on next season’s World Series.
Trailing by two points after the buzzer had sounded, their experience shone through and they went the entire length of the pitch to snatch the win.
Siosifa Lisala started the move with a lung-busting run down the wing before the ball was shipped left before Lisala himself powered over in the corner to spark wild celebrations.
Lisala scored the first try of the match before Germany struck twice to take a 14-5 lead into half-time.
Mashahiro Nakano scored first in the second half to bring Japan within two points after a lovely move including a step and offload from Jone Naikabula before Lisala broke German hearts for a second successive year.
“I think it is great, we have worked really hard to get back,” said head coach Damian Karauna.
“We just need to find that consistency to keep up with the Series teams.
“This is great, for our whole team, the players, the management. We have all put the time and effort in.
“You can see it in their emotions, they are out there crying, it means a lot. We have a lot of support here so it’s great.”
In the semi-finals Japan beat Ireland also with the last play of the match.
Kosuke Hashino gave Japan the lead after a fine run to lead 7-0 at the break but Ireland drew level late in the second half and had an opportunity to extend their lead further but for a knock-on by try-scorer Mark Roche.
With time up Japan worked the ball from within their own half before Kameli Soejima showed great pace and power to finish superbly in the corner and put Japan into the final to face Germany.
