Japan beat Canada in PNC

NAGOYA (June 19) – Japan downed Canada 16-13 in the IRB Pacific Nations to make it two straight wins over sides ranked higher than them in the world rankings.

A try, a conversion and three penalties from Ayumu Goromaru handed Japan, who beat Wales on Saturday, their first win in this year’s competition.

The victory also means the Canadians need Tonga and Fiji to play out a low scoring draw on Sunday in Tokyo, if they are to lift the silverware. Japan finishes off its PNC campaign and its busy summer schedule by taking on the United States at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on the same day.

Canada got on the scoreboard first when James Pritchard knocked over a penalty in the fourth minute.

The heavy rain that fell all day in Nagoya meant the ball was at times difficult to hold on to, and with the Canadians making the most of the conditions to slow the ball down, that penalty proved to be the only score of the half.

Having missed one penalty in the first half, Goromaru made no mistake in the second half and kicks in the 45th and 51st minutes saw Japan take the lead.

A try by Ciaran Hearn, converted by Pritchard, saw Canada reclaim the advantage, however, in the 53rd minute, as Japan paid the penalty of not reclaiming the restart.

Japan, however, looked the stronger and fitter of the two teams  and Goromaru powered over in the 62nd minute following a period of sustained pressure – his conversion of his own try making it 13-10.

Pritchard drew the teams level with a penalty three minutes later, as Canada once again bounced back. But the Japan forwards forced the Canadians into a mistake giving Goromaru another shot at goal. And the fullback made no mistake.