Japan beat Spain to finish World Cup on high

Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C

Japan (5) 29

Tries: Nishimura, Nagata, Kitano, Imakugi, Nduka Cons: Otsuka, Yamamoto

Spain (14) 21

Tries: Blanco, Castelo, Martinez Cons: Argudo 2, Pena

Japan ended their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign with a memorable victory over Spain in York.

The bottom two ranked sides in Pool C had already failed to qualify for the knockout stages after losing their opening two games in England.

Japan, who started with pace and urgency, scored the opening try through full-back Sora Nishimura.

Spain responded with two tries under the posts from hooker Cristina Blanco Herrera and lock Monica Castelo to lead at half-time.

But Lesley McKenzie's persistent side took the lead in the second half with tries from captain Iroha Nagata and prop Wako Kitano.

Japan extended their advantage with a composed try from wing Komachi Imakugi and number eight Jennifer Nduka.

Juan Gonzalez's side finished with a final try from Victoria Rosell Martinez.

"Spain had tremendous pressure on us throughout the game but I feel we were able to leave everything out there. We performed everything that we have prepared for today," said Japan captain Nagata.

"This performance is for the next generation of girls in Japan rugby. I'm really happy to get the result today that leads us into the future with the next generation."

The game was a proud occasion for referee Sara Cox, who became the first woman to officiate 50 Tests.

Japan: Nishimura; Matsumura, Furuta, Hirotsu, Imakugi; Otsuka, Abe; Kato, Kuge, Kitano, Sato, Yoshimura, Kawamura, Nagata (capt), Nduka.

Replacements: Taniguchi, Mine, Nagata, Sakurai, Saito, Tsukui, Yamamoto, Kagawa.

Spain: Argudo; C Perez, Hidalgo, Ducher, Piquero; Z Perez, De Corres; Antolinez, Blanco (capt), Bracic, Castelo, Alameda, Baquet, Garcia, Capell.

Replacements: Roman, Silva, De Andres, Martinez, Marquez, Piqueras, Bueriberi, Cortes.

Referee: Sara Cox (England)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England) and Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales)

TMO: Ian Tempest (England)