YORK - Japan claimed the win at Rugby World Cup 2025 their performances have deserved, coming from behind to beat Spain 29-21 in Pool C at York Community Stadium on Sunday.

Story of the match

Japan made the most of their early pressure, moving the ball left from a scrum to send Sora Nishimura diving over in the corner.

Spain hit back, producing a series of impressive offloads after taking a quick tap penalty before Cristina Blanco Herrera scored under the posts.

Despite Japan dominating possession and territory for the majority of the first half, Spain struck again just before the break, Monica Castelo diving over the line from close range to extend their lead to 14-5.

But that was as it good as it got for Spain, though, as Japan came out for the second half with renewed intent. They scored three tries in 16 minutes before Spain lost Anne Fernandez de Corres to a yellow card.

Japan scored again through Jennifer Nduka before Spain had the final say with Victoria Rosell Martinez's try after Claudia Pena's stunning burst and offload.

Mastercard Player of the Match

Japan full-back Sora Nishimura scored the first try of the game and led the way with 124 metres made.

She said: "Really, really happy to get the result today and to perform what we have built up over the past three years as a team representing Japan.

"I heard everyone's voices on the field. Everyone's support has pushed me. I am really grateful."

Coach insight

Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie said regrouping at half-time was key to victory.

"[It told them] to collect all the positives, which were numerous in the first half, and keep some patience and we will get the rewards in the second half. We were in control in terms of territory and possession but a little impatient, which is one of our vices... have some faith in the process, and we got there."

"I am really proud of what they have shown. The talk I had to give three years ago in a similar position where we finished after three games was a reality check. Again here it is probably not the one we would have wanted, but we have built our rugby, taken some good education out of it and we had a chance to show what we could do today."

Juan González, Spain's head coach, was gracious in defeat but lamented how his team's form waned after half-time.

"It was a very hard game and in the second half we didn't do well," he said. "Congratulations to the Japanese team, they did really well.

"We have three players retiring today from international rugby and they are so important for the team and the union and going forward they will be a reference for our guys, and for the country. Congratulations to them on their careers."

Stat of the Day

100 – Japan’s scrum and lineout percentage. While Spain were dangerous in open play, Japan’s victory was built on their reliable set-piece.

Next steps

Neither team progresses to the quarter-finals but both leave RWC 2025 with plenty of admirers, Japan claiming a much-deserved win and Spain climbing above Wales in the world rankings.