The Springbok Women, leading 6-5 at the break of their first test match of two in the Japan Rugby Challenge Series, faltered late and allowed the hosts to gain a twelve-point margin in the second half without being able to reply.
Japan scored a try in the first half to take the lead, but two penalty goals by Libbie Janse van Rensburg edged her side ahead at the break. The second half was equally tight, but the humid conditions took the sting out of the South African legs and allowed Japan to score a second try and kick a penalty to secure the win.
08:05 Japan's Seina Saito forced her way over for their first try of the match as a well-deserved reward for their early dominance (05-00)
11:47 Libby Janse van Rensburg converted the first penalty for the Springboks. (05-03)
20:19 Libby Janse van Rensburg converted the second penalty for the Springboks. (05-06)
40:00 The Japanese side started strongly and dominated the first ten minutes to score a try, however, after that it was all South Africa. The Bok Women had good possession and territory and often worked themselves into good positions, but then faltered in the final execution. The domination led to Japan conceding several penalties, two of which flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg converted into points to edge her side ahead.
63:59 Seina Saito scored her second try for Japan to regain the lead. (12-06)
70:33 Minori Yamamoto converted her first penalty for Japan. (15-06)
Scorers:
South Africa: Penalties: Libbie Janse van Rensburg (2).
Japan: Tries: Seina Saito (2). Conversion: Minori Yamamoto. Penalty: Minori Yamamoto.