WATCH: Michael Leitch red-carded for a nasty high tackle in Japan’s loss to Samoa

Samoa defeated Japan 24-22 in their Pacific Nations Cup opener in Sapporo after Michael Leitch’s red card in the 30th minute.

Japan loose forward Leitch was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Samoa’s So’otala Fa’aso’o, when his side led 10-3.

The former Brave Blossoms’ captain now faces a potential suspension that will disrupt Japan’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup.

Michael Leitch’s red card

Referee Mathieu Raynal gave Leitch his marching orders on the half hour-mark when he attempted to make a double hit on Fa’aso’o after hooker and current co-captain Atsushi Sakate made the initial contact.

Leitch came in to make his shot and failed to wrap his arms as he made contact with the Samoan back-row’s head with a tucked left shoulder.

? Michael Leitch red carded for this tackle on Sootala Fa'aso'o.#JPNvSAM pic.twitter.com/EIz32Efm9n

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 22, 2023

It was a crushing blow for Japan, who were leading 10-3 at the time of Leitch’s sending-off.

The Brave Blossoms started the game well, with Amato Fakatava stretching out to score after multiple phases near the Samoan try line – Sungsin Lee added the extra two points from the kicking tee.

After Christian Leali’ifano had opened Samoa’s account via a penalty, Japan threatened a second try when Sakate charged down the touchline after a slick lineout move, but a desperate hit from Taleni Seu denied him.

The high tackle from Seu resulted in a yellow card, and Lee took a shot at goal to give the home side a 10-3 lead.

Samoa’s comeback

Following Leitch’s sending-off, Samoa levelled the scores when Alamanda Motuga forced his way over the line for a converted try, after Samoa managed to hang onto the ball from a sloppy lineout and make the most of their opportunity in Japan’s 22.

That meant the two sides went into the break level at 10-10.

Two penalties from Lee early in the second half gave Japan a six-point lead, but Samoa would go into the lead for the first time in the 49th minute.

Former Wallaby?Leali’ifano, on debut for Samoa, converted the try from scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine to edge his side ahead with 30 minutes to play.

However, that lead lasted just six minutes as Lee converted two more penalties for Japan.

The lead would change hands once more when winger Tumua Manu finished off a chance down the left touchline to level the scores, with Leali’ifano holding his nerve to edge his side in front.

Japan threatened a late winner in the latter stages, but a neck roll at the breakdown with time up on the clock handed possession back to Samoa, who held on for the 24-22 victory.

For Manu Samoa, this was their first win over Japan in Japan since 2012 and ended a run of three successive defeats to the Brave Blossoms.

The two sides will face off again in Pool D of the 2023 Rugby World Cup on September 28.

The win for Samoa sees them move up to 10th place on the World Rugby rankings, with Japan switching places with the Pacific Islanders falling below Georgia into 12th.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s win over Tonga did not change the rankings as both teams held onto 13th and 15th positions respectively, but Fiji did close the gap to just 0.51 rankings points from Japan’s tally.

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