Rio 2016: New Zealand shocked by Japan after Williams injury

New Zealand suffered a shock 14-12 defeat to Japan in its opening Pool C match of the men's rugby sevens competition at Rio 2016, with Sonny Bill Williams picking up an injury.

Published : Aug 09, 2016 23:11 IST

Japan players celebrate beating New Zealand at Rio 2016.
Japan players celebrate beating New Zealand at Rio 2016.
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Japan players celebrate beating New Zealand at Rio 2016.

New Zealand suffered a shock 14-12 defeat to Japan in its opening Pool C match of the men's rugby sevens competition at Rio 2016, with Sonny Bill Williams picking up an injury.

The All Black Sevens went into the tournament as one of the favourites for gold, but its campaign hit an immediate setback with a first ever defeat to Japan in the seven-man form of the game.

After Teruya Goto dotted down the opening score, Scott Curry brought the All Blacks level before Williams – part of New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning side – limped off with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Akira Ioane put the All Blacks ahead but Kameli Soejima's late try levelled the score before Katsuyuki Sakai's conversion clinched victory.

New Zealand will take on Kenya later on Tuesday before facing Great Britain on Monday, and it will hope Williams' injury is not serious.

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