Japan edged at death for 2nd straight loss to Australia A
Oct 13, 2022Japan lost 22-21 to Australia A on Saturday, their second straight defeat in the three-match, non-test series 11 months before the World Cup in France.
Playing as Japan XV, the hosts reclaimed the lead through former captain Michael Leitch's 62nd-minute try, but Richie Asiata scored with seconds left to make it 21-20 before Tane Edmed nailed the crucial conversion at Best Denki Stadium in Fukuoka.
With Japan failing to create many chances, Leitch, playing as No. 8 again, came to the rescue by finding a gap and grabbing a try near the center for a 16-15 lead following a lineout inside the Australia A 22.
