Japan beat Canada for 8th straight win

BURNABY, Canada (June 7) – Japan recorded their eighth straight win as they came from behind to beat Canada 34-25 in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.

 

The victory at the same Swangard Stadium where they won their only previous game in Canada, 28 years ago to the day, was the result of a superb second-half appearance that resulted in tries for Yoshikazu Fujita, Yu Tamura and Hendrik Tui.

 

Ayumu Goromaru added to his record points tally with five penalty goals and two conversions as Japan rebounded from a 25-9 deficit at halftime.

 

“To win eight in a row and beat Canada in Canada really gives us a lot of confidence moving on to the World Cup,” said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

 

Canada had taken an early lead through a try by Ciaran Hearn before the right boot of Goramaru saw Japan pull themselves back into the game as they went 9-8 up.

 

But Shota Horie was sent to the sin bin in the 32nd minute for repeated team infringements at the breakdown, and the Canadians made the most of their numerical advantage with John Moonlight and Taylor Paris scoring tries and James Pritchard adding a second penalty and two conversions to give the hosts a 25-9 lead at the break.

 

Japan needed to start the second half well and they did just that with Fujita finishing off a good move by the backs just a minute after play resumed.

 

The wing was injured as he scored but the try gave Japan renewed confidence and with Luke Thompson and Justin Ives working tirelessly in the forwards, Harumichi Tatekawa and Tamura were able to pull the strings. Tamura crossed for Japan’s second try in the 62nd minute before Tui handed Japan the lead 10 minutes later.

 

The Brave Blossoms’s solid defense then held out before Goromaru banged over a penalty with the last kick of the game to hand Eddie Jones’ team a well deserved win.

 

“We struggled in the first 40 but eventually got it right,” said Jones.