Japan racks up 40 points in the second half to secure victory over Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup rugby match
In a thrilling encounter at Yurtec Stadium in Sendai, Japan, the host nation defeated Canada 57-15 in the Pacific Nations Cup. This victory marks Japan's eighth win in ten matches against Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup.
The match began on a high note for Japan, with Amato Fakatava scoring a try just three minutes into the game, capitalising on a Canadian scrum infraction. Seungsin Lee's successful conversion gave Japan an early 7-0 lead.
Japan continued to dominate, with Kippei Ishida and Amato Fakatava each scoring two tries in the first half. Lee's accurate kicking added seven conversions and a penalty, extending Japan's lead to 31-0 at halftime.
Canada managed to get on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute, thanks to a try by Sion Parry off a maul from a lineout. Nelson's conversion cut Japan's lead to 31-7. However, Nelson tied the game with a penalty in the 30th minute, making it 31-10 in favour of Japan.
The second half saw a more competitive Canada, with Jesse Mackail scoring a try in the 79th minute to make it 31-15. But Japan was not done yet. Waisake Raratubua's sin-binning in the 31st minute seemed to spark a resurgence in Japan, with Greene, Gunter, Osada, Ishida, and another Ishida score in the 65th, 73rd, 77th, 85th, and 87th minutes, respectively. Lee's conversions ensured a comprehensive 57-15 victory for Japan.
This result means that Japan leads the Pacific Nations Cup, with the team that finishes sixth still having a shot at the World Cup via a two-legged qualifying playoff against the 2025 Sudaméricano runner-up.
Canada, who finished sixth in last year's Pacific Nations Cup, have had a challenging tournament so far. They were beaten 25-18 by No. 22 Belgium and 24-23 by No. 15 Spain in July in Edmonton. Canada coach Steve Meehan is now 1-3-0 at the helm.
Despite the loss, the Canadians did a lap of the stadium after the final whistle, applauding the fans. Canada could have qualified for the 2027 World Cup with a bonus point in defeat, but did not.
Interestingly, on September 6, 2025, the Canadian national soccer team played against Japan in Sacramento. A Canadian victory in this match would have secured their qualification for the 2027 World Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry between these two nations.
