Japan land Asian Five Nations

Eastern Promise: The Asian Five Nations trophy

Japan landed the inaugural Asian Five Nations crown with a thumping 75-19 win over Hong Kong at the Big Swan Stadium in Niigata on Sunday.

The Cherry Blossoms, who have represented Asia at all six Rugby World Cups, began their campaign with a gritty 39-17 win over South Korea but they picked up the tempo with smashing wins over the Arabian Gulf 114-6, and Kazakhstan 82-6.

Hong Kong battled bravely on Sunday, posting the most points against Japan than any other team this season, and will be hoping to end its campaign by beating South Korea next week to finish in second place.

But Asia's number one side proved far too strong for their closest continental rivals as they look to ramp up their preparations for the upcoming IRB Pacific Nations Cup, in which they will play tests against Tonga, Samoa and Fiji as well as matches against New Zealand Maori and Australia A.

John Kirwan's men ran in 11 tries to finish the competition with a maximum 24 points from their four games.

"We have been working very hard for five weeks, so it was important to win today," said Kirwan.

Shaun Webb, Bryce Robbins and Go Aruga all touched down for a brace and there were further five-pointers from Yuta Imamura, Takuro Miuchi, Hirotoki Onozawa, Ryu Koliniasi Holani and Koji Shinozuka as Japan made the most of their superior fitness.

James Arlidge added six conversions, Ryan Nicholas slotted three and Webb added one.

Rowan Varty was Hong Kong's star performer, the 22-year old full back running in three tries with Justin Temara adding a conversion and two penalty goals and Kenzo Pannell knocking over two penalties.

"Hong Kong fought us well," said Kirwan. "They put us under pressure as the scoreboard shows."

It took Japan 16 minutes to get on the scoreboard when Imamura followed up on a chip kick by Arlidge and the Cherry Blossoms followed the opening score with three quick tries as forwards and backs interlinked. Webb's second try on the stroke of half time stretched the hosts' lead to 35-6 at the break.

Japan added a further six tries in the second half but a couple of interceptions and a charge down allowed Varty to cross the Japan line on three occasions.

"We will need to look at those," Kirwan said of the defensive lapses. "But the players are willing to work hard and are proud to wear the Japan jersey and that makes me proud."

Japan duly take possession of the specially commissioned trophy that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Calcutta Cup.

Handcrafted in India from pure silver, the trophy weighs in at more than 8kg and is adorned with Asian motifs that highlight the inclusiveness of the Asian Five Nations with a dragon design to represent North Asia and a prowling tiger representing South Asia.

The base of the trophy is inscribed with the names of all 25 participating countries or territories taking part in the four tiers that make up the Asian Five Nations - Top 5, Division 1, Division 2 and four regional tournaments.

The trophy, which was produced in India by renowned silversmiths Whorra Brothers, has been donated to the Asian Rugby Football Union by the Bombay Gymkhana and the Calcutta Cricket & Football Club.

In the other match in the HSBC Asian Five Nations this weekend Korea beat Kazakhstan 40-21.