category: Rugby World Cup
MATCH REPORTS

Brave Blossoms force draw

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September 25th, 2007

A last gasp try and conversion by Japan secured an unlikely 12-12 draw in Bordeaux.

Scrambling defence by the Canadians was eventually breached when replacement Koji Taira flew over the tryline in injury time. Shotaro Onishi fluffed his first conversion attempt, but he ensured the Cherry Blossoms bowed out of the tournament with more than just fighting spirit when he nailed his second.

Given their comparative ability and form, Canada were expected to steam roll the Blossoms in this the wooden-spoon fixture of Pool B. But the Japanese heart was ever apparent and their tenacious defence forced the Canadians to make numerous errors.

A solid line-out laid the base for the opening try, with Kosuke Endo shrugging off some hopeless tackle attempts by the Canadians. The Canucks then camped in the Blossoms’ 22 for the majority of the first period, but a stray pass or dropped ball cost them any reward.

Hooker Pat Riordan was yellow-carded for stamping in the 35th minute. Even so, Canada persisted with the pick and drive. When they finally shifted it from 5m out, fullback Mike Pyke just had to fall over the line. However, the perfect tackle was delivered to dislodge the ball and ensure Japan maintained their 5-0 advantage at the break.

But Canada found their feet in the second half and began to give a more disciplined showing. Such was their dominance that captain Morgan Williams chose the line-out over the kick and inevitably, Riordan scored from the drive.

Japan failed to translate pressure into points and so momentum remained with the men in red. They persisted in keeping it close when deep in the Japanese half and were finally given a penalty. Williams took it quickly and found DTH van der Merwe unmarked with a beautiful cross-kick.

James Pritchard converted and even though there was plenty of time left, Japan looked dead an buried. When they failed to penetrate the defence Bryce Robins chipped for his wingers to chase, and only a deliberate hand by Williams forced the ball behind touch and goal. But this cost Canada a penalty and allowed Japan to build towards their second try.

Canada - Tries: Pat Riordan, DTH van der Merwe. Conversion: James Pritchard.
Japan - Tries: Kosuke Endo, Koji Taira. Conversion: Shotaro Onishi

By Jon Cardinelli

Posted by JC | Keo.co.za