Japan battle to win over Wales to claim Shield, but is it too little, too late for their Sevens Series campaign?

It was maybe a case of too little and too late for Japan to really help their survival in the HSBC Sevens World Series next season but their 28-21 victory over Wales in the Shield final showed that talent that still simmers in their set-up.

That much was acknowledged with a rueful smile by Damian Karauna as the win gave his team four points but still sees them sitting rooted to the bottom of the standings, eight points behind Russia with now just three tournaments left.

“To stay in touch with Russia is the key and they got five here to our three so we still have a lifeline,” said Japan coach Damian Karauna. “We just have to take it forward and step by step but, to be honest, we’re running out if time.”

It’ll need far more consistency and many more efforts like the one produced late against the Welsh, when the Japanese let the ball – and their speedsters – fly.

Kameli Soejima’s try with the clock wound completely down – combined with Kosuke Hashino’s conversion – broke a tie and handed the Japanese a piece of the silverware.

Their many fans at the Hong Kong Stadium roared their approval as though they’d just won the Cup, and the Japanese players responded in kind. It was a reflection perhaps of just how miserable Japan’s season has been and Karauna was keeping his feet firmly on the ground.