Scotland battle to WXV2 win over Japan

Scotland’s hopes of retaining their WXV2 title were boosted by a hard-fought win over Japan in Cape Town.

First-half tries from Francesca McGhie and Alex Stewart put the Scots in control, but Seina Saito’s score kept Japan in touch at the break.

Ayasa Otsuka’s penalty then brought Japan to within four points of Bryan Easson’s side, but Rhona Lloyd strolled over in the corner for what proved to be the game’s decisive try.

Iroha Nagata scored at the back of a rolling maul as Japan applied late pressure, but Scotland held on for a fourth successive win in all competitions.

Bryan Easson’s side won last year’s competition with wins over hosts South Africa, the United States and Japan.

They take on Australia in their final game of the tournament on 12 October.

More to follow.