Japan score nine tries in Canada win

Japan 57-12 Canada, Niigata

Japan warmed up for the Pacific Nations Cup with a comfortable 57-12 win over Canada in Niigata on Saturday.

The home side marked the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union with a dominant nine-try performance. Japan were especially strong up front, with eight of their nine tries coming through forwards as they controlled the physical battle and repeatedly found space near the line.

Hooker Mamoru Harada led the way with two tries, while Takato Okabe, Takumi Inaba, Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa, Yuya Hirose, Harry Hockings and Tiennan Costley also crossed.

Japan Take Control Up Front

Japan were not perfect, with handling errors and some pressure at scrum time giving Canada moments of encouragement. But the hosts were far more effective when they kept the ball close and used their forwards to make ground.

Their maul and close-range carrying caused regular problems for Canada, who struggled to match Japan’s power. Once the Brave Blossoms got into attacking positions, they were clinical enough to turn pressure into points.

Japan’s backs also had chances to show their pace and movement when the forwards created space, adding variety to a display built mainly on physical control.

Canada Find Two Responses

Canada were second best for long spells but did manage two tries. Full-back Takoda McMullin crossed for one score, while centre Ben LeSage also got over the line.

Those moments gave Canada something to take from the match, but they were unable to build sustained pressure inside Japan’s 22. Japan’s defence stayed firm for most of the contest and limited the visitors’ opportunities.

Pacific Nations Cup Next

The result gives Japan momentum before their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final against the United States in Higashiosaka next Saturday.

Canada will also turn their attention to the tournament, where they face Fiji at the same venue in their last-four clash.