Canada 23 Japan 23: Monro’s boot keeps Japan waiting

Japan were denied a first World Cup victory in 20 years as Canada grabbed a draw in an absorbing contest at McLean Park in Napier.

Shota Horie and Kosuke Endo scored tries and James Arlidge added 13 points from the boot for Japan, who were seeking to end their Pool A campaign on a high.

But Canada, who beat Tonga earlier and meet New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday, scored tries through DTH van der Merwe, Phil Mackenzie and Ander Monro. James Pritchard kicked a conversion and Monro a penalty before the latter added another late on to tie the scores and prevent Japan ending a winless World Cup run.

Four years ago, the sides drew 12-12 in France.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil Jenkins says that “fancy-dan football” will not be enough to dazzle the southern hemisphere heavyweights.

Wales can guarantee a quarter-final berth if they beat Pool D opponents Fiji on Sunday, although their place will effectively be booked two days earlier should Samoa finish with nothing against world champions South Africa.

“We have played against a lot of southern hemisphere sides over the last four years or so, and I think we realise you can’t play fancy-dan football to beat these type of teams,” said Jenkins.

“You have got to be physical, just as they are.

“We have worked a hell of a lot on the contact area, and I think it has shown in the way we have played.”

Related topics: