Japan stifles Italy for the first time since 2018 in Nations Championship rugby‎

Japan muted Italy 27-10 in Nations Championship rugby on Saturday and won their matchup for the first time since 2018. Japan led 17-10 at halftime and kept Italy scoreless in the second half, the defense making 12 dominant tackles and giving the Italians little room to breathe. The host scored three tries to one and fullback Takuro Matsunaga hauled in 17 points in a red-and-white blanketed Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.