Brutal first year on tour ‘worth it’ for Japan, says Lote Tuqiri

Lote Tuqiri is fully aware of Japan’s failings in their first year among the big boys but he firmly believes the end result - a possible place in the Olympics - will make it all worthwhile.

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Lote Tuqiri – shown here in action at the Hong Kong Sevens on Friday – says that despite Japan’s tough initiation on the Sevens World Series, if it leads to a berth at the Rio Olympics it will have been worth the struggle. Photo: Nora Tam/SCMP

Published: 11:51pm, 27 Mar 2015Updated: 3:42pm, 5 Jun 2015

Lote Tuqiri is fully aware of Japan’s failings in their first year among the big boys but he firmly believes the end result - a possible place in the Olympics - will make it all worthwhile.

After joining the HSBC Sevens World Series following their Hong Kong Sevens qualifier success 12 months ago, Japan are firmly stuck at the foot of the standings in 15th place overall. They opened their 2015 Hong Kong campaign on Friday with a 24-7 loss to France in pool C.

“It’s been pretty tough in our first year on the World Series,” said Tuqiri, who made his sevens debut for Japan at the 2011 Hong Kong tournament. “It’s tough competing with the top teams but it has been good development for us and we’ve improved every tournament.

“We just need to be smarter and more physical and need to keep the ball more. We are getting there, but our main target is to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

The Brave Blossoms opened their 2015 Hong Kong Sevens account with a 24-7 pool loss to France. Photo: Felix Wong/SCMP

Rugby returns to the Olympic fold next year in Rio de Janeiro where the abbreviated game makes its debut, and Japan are aiming to be Asia’s representatives.

The Brave Blossoms were 19-0 down before half-time against France on Friday, with tries from Terry Bouhraoua, Stephen Parez, Virimi Vakatawa and Julien Candelon. Chihito Matsui scored Japan’s sole try early in the second half.

“The opening game was, as usual, a tough game,” Tuqiri said. “We just need to step up in the second game. Hopefully tomorrow [Saturday] will be a good day for us.”