Japan remains without a win after losing 42-14 to Italy, by five tries to two at the Sapporo Dome yesterday.

Italy led throughout the match, with Australia-born centre Dylan Riley scoring both of Japan’s tries, converted by Rikiya Matsuda.

Italy’s scoring began with a penalty by Lyon scrumhalf Martin Page-Relo after just three minutes.

Fullback Ange Capuozzo added a try in the eighth minute, and Page-Relo converted for a 10-0 lead.

Page-Relo then scored a try in the 13th minute, which was converted by Paolo Garbisi, making it 17-0. Lock Andrea Zambonin scored in the 35th minute, with Garbisi’s conversion extending Italy’s lead to 24-0.

Riley’s first try cut Japan’s deficit to 24-7 at halftime.

Japan hoped for a comeback as Riley scored his second try just two minutes into the second half, narrowing the gap to 24-14.

However, Page-Relo’s two penalties extended Italy’s lead to 30-14.

Alessandro Garbisi’s try in the 72nd minute secured Italy’s win, and South Africa-born flanker Ross Vintcent added a final try in the 81st minute.

Italy managed to secure the victory despite losing a player to the sin-bin in each half.