We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

Wed 18 Jun 2014 | 12:43
Midweek Madness - Japanese player loses the ball over the tryline

20
Comments

A few months back we watched on in horror as Japan made an awful mess of a try at the Hong Kong Sevens. Against the USA at the weekend they did it again, this time with winger Kenki Fukuoka, who lost the ball in an attempt to get between the posts.

While we joke about things like this, Eddie Jones coached Japan are actually on an incredible run of form and they kept that up with a 37-29 victory over the USA Eagles in the Pacific Nations Cup. 

Tries were scored by Ryu Koliniasi Holani (two), Fumiaki Tanaka and Akithito Yamada, while fullback Ayumu Goromaru converted all four and kicked three penalties for a 17 point haul. Cam Dolan crossed for the USA while a Blaine Scully hat-trick wasn't enough to beat the Brave Blossoms.

This year the Pacific Nations cup is split into two conferences for the first time ever, with Pool A featuring Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, while Pool B comprises of Japan, Canada and the United States.

In a moment reminiscent of George Gregan on Jeff Wilson, Fukuaka crossed for a try in the 15th minute but took too long to get the ball down as he attempted to get it beneath the posts, and had it slapped out of his hands as USA center Folau Niau made the tackle.

Despite the error early in the game, Japan went on to achieve their ninth straight win.

View USA vs Japan match highlights

Official highlights from the USA vs Japan in Carson, California

Posted By: Grant Constable

20 Comments

  • larry
    2:18 AM 22/06/2014

    I thought that too when I saw the try. Still, the runner needed to place the ball on the turf as soon as he could have, like when he crossed the line! Why screw around to try to get closer to the posts? Regarding the rules about knocking a ball out of a player's hands, I've seen it called both ways plenty of times, with refs calling a knock on, and some refs not calling it.

  • larry
    2:14 AM 22/06/2014

    Speaking of how the ball is "dotted down" nowadays, I'm tired of the phony dives being taken into the in-goal. And haven't a few tries been knocked on with runners diving in with the ball stretched above their heads, then losing it before crashing into the ground? It's way Hollywood. When Ian Kirkpatrick did it against the Lions, that was okay.

  • larry
    2:11 AM 22/06/2014

    It's in-goal. Again, try zone seems to be something the Aussies concocted to try to sound "American" unfortunately.

  • larry
    2:09 AM 22/06/2014

    That depends. BBC announcers have always been good. Fox Sports or whatever it's called there, BSkyB, not so much.

  • larry
    2:08 AM 22/06/2014

    As an American, I'm embarrassed. I've heard sideline instead of touchline, try zone or even end zone instead of in-goal. But to be honest, I think try zone is an Aussie invention.

  • drg
    7:53 PM 21/06/2014

    Well put. The ball could be dotted down at any moment, if you're a twit and stuff it up (or look like you've stuffed it up) then be it on your own head.

  • ando
    4:02 AM 21/06/2014

    True, could be listening to that plonker Stuart Barnes!

  • danknapp
    4:22 PM 20/06/2014

    I thought the same as you lot, but I thought it looked like it went forward. I also think the defender should be given the benefit of the doubt in this situation - certainly at the lower leagues, without TMO, if the ball is lost in a tackle over the tryline then I would rather see it given as a turnover. Once over the try line I think the attacking player has the responsibility to look after the ball. But I appreciate that isn't what the laws say.

  • byehiday
    2:49 PM 20/06/2014

    Also since he lands on the ball with his chest the try, if there isnt a knock on, would be scored by downward pressure meaning the support player wouldnt even have had to dot the ball down

  • byehiday
    2:47 PM 20/06/2014

    there are still knock ons in the trizone. that being said, since he is running sideways im not sure, and the camera angle is difficult to determine if the ball really moves forward on the field.

  • finedisregard
    4:02 PM 19/06/2014

    1. His name is Blaine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JKuv1bGbFI
    2. He's from the Evil Empire (Cal Berkley)

  • stroudos
    3:34 PM 19/06/2014

    Good point.

  • 45678
    2:52 PM 19/06/2014

    I think there's a strong argument that a try should be awarded here. Its the American tackler that knocks the ball out of the wingers grasp, so its not really a knock on. the next player dots the ball down, so try

  • stroudos
    12:57 PM 19/06/2014

    Shouldn't the title be "Excellent try-saving tackle made by the American bloke"?

  • bunn
    12:02 PM 19/06/2014

    Some real nice rugby played in that game

  • danknapp
    8:12 PM 18/06/2014

    It could be worse, you could be listening to English commentary.

  • upthelowend
    6:10 PM 18/06/2014

    What about Scully?! Hat trick here and was showing up Nalaga when they faced off in the HC this year, had an outstanding first season in the premiership too.

  • finedisregard
    5:38 PM 18/06/2014

    How many kg are the Japanese giving up in the scrum and they STILL push the Americans around. Come on USA!

    Wyles and MAnoa are the best American players.

  • ando
    4:08 PM 18/06/2014

    It's incredibly painful to live here in the US and listen to those useless American commentators spout bollocks...

  • alasdairduncan3
    3:16 PM 18/06/2014

    Interesting to hear a completely new take on Rugby commentary. Not a single commonly used Rugby phrase in sight.

Related Articles