Easson pleased with solid defence

■By DANIEL CLARKE

South Africa ..31

Japan …………… 24

HOSTS South Africa got their campaign off to a strong start by beating a competitive Japan.

Japan took the lead through Noriko Taniguchi and had a second score in the first quarter through Ayasa Otsuka, with Aseza Hele’s try for the hosts in between.

Tries from Chumisa Qawe and Sanelisiwe Charlie put South Africa 17-12 up at half-time.

Ayanda Malinga put them further ahead. Japan hit back with Seina Saito’s try double but Vainah Ubisi’s try sealed the win.

Italy ………………. 0

Scotland ………19

REIGNING champions Scotland kicked off their title defence with a comfortable victory in Cape Town.

Tries from Chloe Rollie and Lana Skeldon gave the Scots a healthy half-time lead, before Coreen Grant added a third try late on.

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson said: “It was a difficult game. The weather meant we had to exit and look after the game well. Defensively we were solid, so I’m really pleased.

“There’s a couple of things out there we’ll have a look at. We’ve got two games left, we’ll learn from that and take the little positives.

“We’re one from one and that’s what we came for today.”

Italy’s best chance for points came off the tee after 23 minutes, but Beatrice Rigoni pushed her penalty attempt wide.

Scotland dominated possession and territory in the opening 40 minutes, and the pressure told when Italy winger Aura Muzzo was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.

Against 14 defenders, Scotland stayed patient in the Italian 22, and following multiple phases which built pressure, Emma Orr released Rollie, who cruised over to open the scoring.

Grant then knocked on with the try-line beckoning, but Scotland deservedly stretched their lead with the final play of the first half, as Skeldon crossed at the back of a powerful rolling maul.

After the break, Scotland were hampered by torrential rain, with the wet ball increasingly difficult to handle.

However, they managed the game well, playing in tight areas and keeping Italy at arm’s length before a third try arrived in the closing stages.

Scotland’s forwards went phase after phase on the Italy line, and when space appeared out wide, Helen Nelson gave Grant the simplest of finishes to round off a commanding performance.