February 9 - 1936 NZ Universities v All Japan Student XV

In their 5th match in Japan the NZ Universities were in trouble in the 2nd spell against the All Japan Student XV until a moment of brilliance from wing Jim Watt took them out of danger.

“9/2/36

Afternoon. Match vs All Japan.Ground drier than expected – had been rolled and straw chips scattered on it. 25,000 spectators.Introduced to Prince Akuso after national anthems. Haka. In first spell the Japanese All-stars did not settle down. We won the ball from scrum and line outs. Watt and Wilson scored- Bush converted 1 try and 1 penalty. 11- 0. Second half we tired badly so that at one stage we were in bad position [11 – 8] but Watt finalised matters by running brilliantly past half-a-dozen men to score a try which Bush converted. Final score 16 – 8. Rulings of referee difficult to follow. Parsons presented with beautiful bronze trophy while Bush received a large flower vase. Dinner given in evening by All – Japan Rugby Union – 110 guests. All team received souvenirs – large plate, cigarette case and album of Japanese views.”

From: Diary of NZU forward W H K Simmers.