Japan rugby team defeats Canada 57-12 in Niigata test match

rugby union Brave Blossoms Lipovitan D Challenge Cup test match Pacific Nations Cup

Japan's national rugby team, the Brave Blossoms, secured a dominant 57-12 victory over Canada in a test match held at Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata. This win marks Japan's second victory in seven matches and breaks a four-match losing streak.

Japan's performance was characterized by a strong set piece, particularly through rolling mauls and lineout drives. The team scored nine tries in total, with Mamoru Harada recording a double. Other scorers included Takato Okabe, Ben Gunter, Yuya Hirose, Kanji Shimokawa, Harry Hockings, Takumi Inaba, and Tiennan Costley. Despite the high score, captain Naoto Saito noted that the team had not yet reached their desired standards, citing errors in game management and missed opportunities.

Canada, playing with a depleted roster due to injuries, managed two tries through Takoda McMullin and Ben LeSage. The match serves as preparation for both teams ahead of upcoming competitions, including the Pacific Nations Cup, where Japan is scheduled to face the United States and Canada will face Fiji.