Canada’s men’s rugby team suffered a humbling 55-28 defeat at the hands of Japan to open its Pacific Nations Cup tournament Sunday in Vancouver.
The quick, offensively dominant Brave Blossoms first struck in the fourth minute with a try from Malo Tuitama.
Warner Dearns touched twice for 14th-ranked Japan, while Dylan Riley, Kani Shimokawa, Seungsin Lee and Tomoki Osada also contributed tries. Lee also booted six conversions and a penalty in the victory.
Andrew Coe, Lucas Rumball and twins Talon and Takoda McMullin each had a try for No. 21-ranked Canada, while Peter Nelson added four conversions.
The Canadians will continue the tournament in Carson, Cali., on Aug. 31 when they face the United States.
Both sides will head to Japan for the semifinals and fifth-place game in Tokyo on Sept. 14 and 15. The championship game and third-place matchup are set to go Sept. 21 in Osaka.
Source Agencies
