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Rugby World Cup 2019 hosts Japan have continued their impressive form with a 34-25 victory over Canada in the North American Conference of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup in Burnaby on Saturday.
Trailing 25-9 at the interval, the Brave Blossoms responded with 25 unanswered points in powerful second half performance.
The result underscores Japan’s advances ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015, for which they booked their place with victory in the Asian 5 Nations and followed up with a win against Samoa.
READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT HERE>>
WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE>>
Meanwhile, Samoa and Tonga played out a compelling 18-18 draw in Apia in the opening Pacific Conference match in Apia on Saturday.
Tonga, who lead through an early try, secured a draw in dramatic style at the death with a coolly struck penalty from replacement Fangatapu Apikotoa.
READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT HERE>>
WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE>>
The Pacific region is an important part of the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) development strategy for Tier 2 Rugby. The IRB has the aim of closing the gap to the established Tier 1 Nations.
The Pacific Nations match schedule and greater opportunities within the June and November Test windows underscore the IRB’s commitment to greater levels of test competition for Tier Two nations in order to boost the competitiveness of world Rugby.
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