Japan fans in the crowd during the Scotland v Japan Autumn International Series Match at Murrayfield Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Europe)
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Scotland too strong for Japan
Scotland held off a spirited performance from Japan before claiming a 42-17 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday.
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Kensuke Hatakeyama of Japan is tackled by Euan Murray (L) and Alasdair Strokosch (R) of Scotland during the Scotland v Japan Autumn International Series match at Murrayfield Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Europe)
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Michael Broadhurt of Japan is tackled by Gary Richie (Left) David Denton (Right) of Scotland clash during the Scotland v Japan Autumn International Series Match at Murrayfield Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Europe)
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A brace of tries from Tommy Seymour, and scores from Greig Laidlaw, Al Dickinson and Sean Lamont cancelled out a wonderful double from the visitors' speedster, Kenki Fukuoka.
The Brave Blossoms imposed themselves well, with the wonderfully quick ball they generated, and the fleetness of their outside backs causing the Scots problems in defence.
And indeed, they twice clawed themselves back to within a single point of the Scots, showing discipline and resilience to score a couple of excellent tries.
It was, however, a disjointed opening quarter, with neither side able to string many phases together.
The hosts looked rusty on their first outing as a team since June, and static attacking play combined with knock-ons and errors stunted their attack.
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Tui Hendrick of Japan and Euan Murray clash during the Scotland v Japan Autumn International Series Match at Murrayfield Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Europe)
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Man of the Match: There were a few candidates, but none more impressive than Tim Swinson. Despite his lack of size at second-row, the Glasgow Warriors man was excellent in the loose, making big hits aplenty and always making yards with ball in hand. With this showing, he be in real contention to face South Africa next week.
Moment of the Match: The beginning of the end for Japan was marked by Dickinson's tidy score. There are few finer sights in rugby than a prop barrelling his way over the line from distance.
Villain of the Match: Ryu Holani's yellow-card contributed heftily to Japan's downfall, with the Cherry Blossoms shipping two tries while down to fourteen men.
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Craig Wing (2nd L) of Japan is tackled by Euan Murray of Scotland during the Scotland v Japan Autumn International Series Match at Murrayfield Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
17 Nov
Scotland v S.Africa
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