Sakura XV Lose Heavily to Italy In WXV Global Series 2026 Opener

It was a tough start for Sakura XV on the road as they suffered their biggest-ever loss to Italy, 21-55, at Stadio Omero Tognon in their first WXV Global Series 2026 match.

Photo Credit: JRFU

It’s been a challenging start under the new permanent Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa, who is looking for a 1st win since he was appointed recently. He said post-game, “We had some positives like our attack in the opposition 22m, but we struggled to get into that area during the game.”

There are warning signs for the Sakura XV after defeat at home to Fiji and now this loss. In this fixture, they were outplayed in all facets of the game.

The Azzurre started well and quickly as Emma Stevanin sent a perfect cross-kick for Aura Muzzo to capture it and score in the opening minutes, and they were 12-0 ahead when lock Alessandra Frangipani crashed over by the 7th minute.

Photo Credit JRFU

Japan’s 18-year-old flanker, Nami Asari, in just her 2nd cap, scored her 2nd try as they struck back within minutes. Japan again went over as the rolling maul was unstoppable, with Asuka Kuge scoring in her 28th cap, and the conversion putting them ahead by the 15th minute.

But then it was all Italy.

The hosts scored three times in 7 minutes to race out to a 31-14 lead in a try fest of a half. The 17 points came from scores by Alyssa D’Inca, Vittoria Vecchini and Giordana Duca.

In the 2nd half, the Italy captain Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, who earned her 5oth cap, scored to take them to 36 points – the most they had ever scored against Japan with a long time to go in the match.

Italy kept up their dominance as Japan looked second best across the park and entered the final quarter of the match wanting to get some consolation scores before they face Ireland twice in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit JRFU

A yellow card in the 69th minute for Japan made the task a difficult one – it was the first card they have received in Test match rugby in 2026. But Italy also received a yellow, and after a long period of possession in attack, Japan did score through Masami Kawamura.

Italy had the last say in a poor game for the Japanese and scored for a big win at home. Another 17 more points came from tries by Francesca Sgorbini, Margherita Tonellotto, and winger Aura Muzzo.

Congrats to Japan’s Uta Kataoka, who made her debut. Sakura XV captain and scrumhalf Moe Tsukui will make her 50th appearance in her next game.

Japan Points

• Tries: Nami Asari, Asuka Kuge, Masami Kawamura
• Conversions: Maiko Nishi x3

WXV 2026 News

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• WXV Global Series 2026 Preview – Italy vs Japan.