NAGOYA, Japan — Canada missed a chance to clinch the Pacific Nations Cup rugby title when it lost 16-13 to Japan on Wednesday.
Also, Fiji kept the United States winless with a 35-10 in their first match in 10 years, the first in a doubleheader at Mizuho Park.
Making its debut in the competition, Canada would have won the PNC unbeaten with a victory. Instead, the title could yet go to the winner of the Fiji-Tonga match in Tokyo on Sunday.
Japan retained the same 23 from its historic win over Wales last weekend, but made four changes to the starting lineup. Fullback Ayumu Goromaru scored all of Japan’s points from a converted try and three penalties.
Centre Ciaran Hearn’s converted try in the second half regained Canada the small lead it enjoyed at halftime. But Goromaru’s seven-pointer midway through the second spell put Japan back in front at 13-10.
Canada levelled on James Pritchard’s second penalty, but Goromaru’s third penalty eight minutes from the end sealed Japan’s first win in the PNC since 2011.
Meanwhile, Fiji banked on a better scrum and more incisive backs for its second win from three PNC matches. The U.S. rotated its lineup to leave captain Todd Clever and experienced backs Chris Wyles and Mike Petri in the reserves.
Scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu scored the first of Fiji’s four tries. Fullback Timoci Nagusa finished off an attack from a tighthead for 17-3, but the Eagles cut the lead to seven after replacement Andrew Suniula scored their first try of the year.
Another tighthead led to Fiji’s third try to No. 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, then Matawalu counterattacked from a kick to run in replacement back Nemia Kenatale.
Japan and the Eagles finish off the PNC in Sunday’s doubleheader.
——
Japan 16 (Ayumu Goromaru try, 3 penalties, conversion), Canada 13 (Ciaran Hearn try; James Pritchard 2 penalties, conversion). HT: 0-3
Fiji 35 (Nikola Matawalu, Timoci Nagusa, Sakiusa Matadigo, Nemia Kenatale tries; Seremala Baikeinuku 3 conversions, 3 penalties), United States 10 (Andrew Suniula try; Adam Siddall conversion, penalty). HT: 17-10