Japan earned a first pool match win in 31 years at the Women's Rugby World Cup after seeing off Spain 29-21 in York on Sunday.

Spain finished its seventh World Cup without a win for the first time.

The Sakura Fifteen responded to a 14-5 halftime deficit by scoring four consecutive tries.

Japan, already dominating territory and possession, simply became more patient in the second half and frustrated Las Leonas into conceding 16 penalties. Spain went on a yellow-card warning twice from Sara Cox, who became the first female referee to control 50 tests.

Japan captain and flanker Iroha Nagata, who went to the 2017 World Cup as a center, busted three tackles to open the second-half scoring. Prop Wako Kitano, Japan's strongest player, barged over next, followed by wing Komachi Imakugi.

Spain

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