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Japan’s on again, off again status as an HSBC Sevens Series Core team will continue as they emerged victorious in the qualifying draw of the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday. The 2018-19 circuit will mark the third time they have been part of the core group since first achieving promotion for the 2014-15 season. In each year since they have either been relegated or promoted.
Their win was not without drama. A long-range try scored by Kameli Soejima in stoppage time against Ireland put them in the final. It might have been a different result had Mark Roche cruelly lost possession in the act of crossing the line while regathering his own kick-ahead.
The final was equally tense. Germany led 14-5 at the break and held a two-point advantage into the final minute. A loose pass put Japan under pressure but Germany conceded a penalty at the breakdown and from the quick tap Siosifa Lisala went into the corner for the winning score.
Chile were eliminated by Germany in the Semi Finals in a match they will long remember as one they could have, and indeed should have won. The Cóndores attack was able to create breaks but mistakes at key moments cost them dearly in the end.
QUARTER FINALS
Germany 26 – 0 Uganda
Chile 24 – 12 Hong Kong
Japan 26 – 19 Uruguay
Ireland 38 – 5 Zimbabwe
SEMI FINALS
Germany 19 – 12 Chile
Japan 12 – 7 Ireland
FINAL
Germany 14 – 19 Japan
