United States record first victory
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Hercus inspires U.S. to first World Cup win for 16 years
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GOSFORD, Australia -- The United States edged out Japan 39-26 in a pulsating World Cup pool B match on Monday to consolidate their positon in fourth place in the group.
The Americans secured their first win of the tournament with tries by flyhalf Mike Hercus, center Phillip Eloff, flanker Kort Schubert, wing Riaan van Zyl and hooker Kirk Khasigian.
Japan's tries were scored by Toru Kurihara -- he contributed 21 of his nation's points -- and Daisuke Ohata
Hercus added four conversions and two penalties as the U.S. ended their record of 10 World Cup losses with a first win since beating Japan at the inaugural World Cup in 1987.
The Americans raced into a 14-0 lead by the 12th minute with tries by Hercus and Eloff.
But the Japanese, with far more support in the crowd at Central Coast Stadium, hit back with a 10-point burst within three minutes.
Kurihara raced over in the corner, made the conversion and then landed a penalty, but the Japanese were unable to make any more ground before half-time when they trailed 20-10.
Japan ran out with navy blue shirts in the second half after deciding that their red and white shirts and black shorts were too similar to the Americans' red and blue.
And Kurihara kicked three successive penalties, including two from 42 and 38 meters, to cut the lead to one point by the 53rd minute
The Americans appeared to have lost their running game but suddenly found it again for a third try in the 55th minute when Schubert ran unchallenged to the line.
Japan again made it difficult with a second try two minutes later from Ohata but U.S. pressure paid off in the end leaving their rivals rooted to bottom spot without a win from their four games.
America face pool winners France in their final game on Friday.
