Canada’s men’s rugby crew faced a tough challenge on Sunday, August 25, 2024 as they headed towards Japan in their opening suit of the Pacific Nations Cup. Held in Japan, the sport soon noticed that the Brave Blossoms were dominating, leaving Canada scrambling to keep up.
Japan defeated Canada 55-28 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup on Sunday. Canada struggled early against Japan’s fast-paced play, trailing 31-0 by the 31st minute. Despite a late rally, Canada couldn’t overcome the deficit and ultimately suffered a 55-28 loss. The Brave Blossoms showcased their efficiency and speed, leaving Canada with much to reflect on as the tournament progresses.
In the primary 1/2, Japan proved robust, controlling the game with relentless speed and efficiency. In the thirty-first minute, Japan built a commanding 31-0 lead. Canada’s defense couldn’t handle the pressure and the Brave Blossoms pushed hard and scored try after try.
Head coach Kingsley Jones expressed his concerns about the shape, pointing out: “Japan was so green, the speed of the ball. It changed like a gale, like a wave coming over the players.” Despite the Canadiens’ efforts to regroup, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Canada made some strides in the second half, putting up 28 points. However, the distance created by Japan’s early lead became insurmountable. The very last score was 55-28 in favor of Japan, marking a disappointing start to the tournament for Canada.
With this loss, Canada will have to review their strategies to stay in the Pacific Nations Cup. The group will aim to improve on their subsequent fit, hoping to examine their mistakes and improve their overall performance in the sector.
