Japan humiliate Philippines

Fukuoka, Japan - Five-time defending champions Japan got off to a flying start in the Asian Five Nations rugby tournament by scoring a humiliating 121-0 victory over the promoted Philippines on Saturday.

Fullback Ayumu Goromaru gave Japan a 3-0 lead with a penalty in the seventh minute, which appeared enough for the Asian champions as he also scored 14 conversions and one try for a total of 36 points.

Two rookies Male Sau and Kenki Fukuoka, as well as Harumichi Takekawa, Hitoshi Ono and Ryu Koliniasi Holani scored two tries each, while eight other players were also on target.

Flyhalf Gareth Holgate had a chance to score for the Philippines but he misfired a penalty shot twice in the eighth minute and 19th in the first half.

Japan will take on Hong Kong away next week, while the Philippines will play Hong Kong at home in the third week.