Hong Kong fell to a 44-5 defeat against Japan in their final outing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup today in Belfast.

Japan put on a clinical offensive display against Hong Kong, scoring eight tries, with the first four coming from their back three trio, including a brace to fullback Mayu Shimizu.

Despite securing a significant share of possession, Hong Kong struggled with its accuracy, particularly in a nervy first quarter, as unforced errors, turnovers and knock-ons blunted their attacking edge.

Meanwhile, Japan managed to turn almost all of their five first half turnovers into points, including scoring two tries in the opening 12 minutes as they leapt out to a 10-0 lead.

Strong defensive efforts by Natasha Olson-Thorne in particular, who turned Japan over three times in the first half, kept Hong Kong in touch for the remainder of the first period, but Japan managed to add a momentum-sapping try shortly before the break.

Hong Kong steeled its nerve and gained parity over the course of the match, but never really threatened to break down the well-disciplined and organised Japan defence.

Japan dealt a further blow early three minutes into the second half, after an unforced error at the restart gave Japan possession in attacking territory. Moments later, Japan crossed the line for their fourth try (Shimizu’s second) as they extended their advantage to 25-0.

Hooker Karen So put Hong Kong on the board in the 52nd minute with a fine individual effort. So came off the bench to put the ball into an attacking lineout on Japan’s five-metre line. Cool under pressure, So’s throw was on target for captain Chow Mei-nam who claimed possession and drove Hong Kong to the Japan try-line.

After a succession of phases, So collected the ball at the base of the ruck and leaped over the pile to score Hong Kong’s only points.

Accuracy on both attack and defence was the primary issue for Hong Kong, who conceded 19 missed tackles and 16 turnovers in their own half, not all of which were the result of Japanese pressure, preventing the side from achieving its ultimate ambition of claiming a first scalp at the world championship.

With their first win at a World Cup in sight, the Sakura gathered steam in the final quarter, adding two more tries and a conversion to bring the final score to 44-5.

Hong Kong concluded their World Cup debut without a win in the record books but with plenty of victories along the way according to captain Chow Mei-nam.

“It was our first time in the World Cup and we wanted to create a legacy. We did that with our toughness and never give-up attitude.