Warner Dearns leads Japan to record win over Canada in Pacific Nations Cup

Japan kicked off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a record victory, defeating Canada 57-15 in Sendai.

Ranked 11 places higher than the Maple Leafs in the world rankings, Japan scored 33 unanswered points in 20 minutes of the second half to achieve their biggest win against Canada, surpassing the previous record of 46-8 set in 2009. Japan has now won their last six encounters with Canada and leads the all-time series with 16 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.

The victory was notably marked by Warner Dearns, who became Japan’s youngest captain at just 23 years old. The New Zealand-born lock was in exceptional form, scoring a try in the second half and overpowering a Canadian pack that waned. Japan also handed out five players their first Test starts and awarded four more their Test debuts.

Amato Fakatava was a talisman for Japan, setting the tone early on with a quick tap from a scrum penalty, powering over from five meters out in just the third minute.

Canada initially defended bravely during the opening quarter and denied Japan two tries; the hosts became increasingly frustrated, leading to a series of errors.

Canada fought back, utilising their lineout drive effectively, culminating in a try by blindside flanker Siôn Parry, who plays his rugby in Cardiff.

A penalty from first five-eighth Peter Nelson brought Canada level, but a yellow card issued to Japan’s lock Waisake Raratubua ironically ignited the Brave Blossoms’ momentum. In the final minute of the first half, the inspirational Dearns scored a crucial try, allowing Japan to take a 17-10 lead at halftime.

It took 15 minutes for the first points of the second half to be scored. Fakatava continued his commanding performance, scoring again from close range, bringing Japan’s lead to 24-10 after a fourth consecutive successful kick from Seung-Sin Lee, who only narrowly missed one attempt.

Sam Greene was dynamic, making three linebreaks and frequently injecting himself into the line from fullback. His try was a reward for being in the right place at the right time. The imposing Ben Gunter, born in Bangkok and raised in Australia, was a powerful presence throughout, while winger Kippei Ishida finished with two tries, showcasing superior speed and footwork.

Japan’s lineout demonstrated both variety and muscle. For Canada, Lucas Rambell topped the tackle count, and fullback Shane O’Leary, in his 15th Test cap and first since 2019, put in a commendable effort.

The match was officiated by referee Paul Williams from New Zealand.

Japan 57: (Amato Fakatava 2, Warner Dearns, Sam Green, Ben Gunter, Tomoki Osada, Kippei Ishida 2 tries; Seung-Sin Lee 7 cons, pen)  Canada: 15 (Sion Parry, Jesse Mackail tries; Peter Nelson con, pen). HT: 17-10