More Jones misery as Japan suffer humbling Italy defeat

Australia-born Jones coached Japan between 2012 to 2015 and returned to the role in controversial circumstances earlier this year after quitting as Wallabies boss last October. 

And in the second Jones era, Japan have lost to another of his former charges England, Georgia and now Italy with the Brave Blossoms slipping two places to 14th in the world rankings.

Italy came into the match as favourites after a 36-24 win last weekend over Tonga in Nuku'alofa, their first win in the Pacific having slipped to Samoa 33-25 in Apia the previous weekend.

Japan's 25-23 loss to Georgia last weekend looked to be an upset but was put into context by Georgia's spirited performance against Australia on Saturday. 

Italy led throughout the match as Australia-born centre Dylan Riley scored both of the hosts' tries, which were converted by Rikiya Matsuda.

Lyon scrum-half Martin Page-Relo opened the scoring for the Azzurri with a penalty after three minutes while fullback Ange Capuozzo scored the first try in the eighth minute which Page-Relo converted for a 10-0 lead.

Page-Relo then crossed himself in the 13th minute, which was converted by Paolo Garbisi, to make it 17-0 at better than a point a minute.

Lock Andrea Zambonin scored in the 35th minute with Garbisi's conversion taking it to 24-0 but Riley's first try cut the advantage to 24-7 at halftime.

Japan were back in the match when Riley scored his second try after only two minutes of the second half, reducing the lead to 24-14.

Page-Relo extended Japan's lead to 30-14 with two penalties before replacement Alessandro Garbisi's try in the 72nd minute put Italy out of reach of a Japan rally.

Italy finished with a try in the 81st minute to South Africa-born flanker Ross Vintcent wrapping up their eighth victory in 10 matches against Japan.

Australian Associated Press