Coach John Kirwan spoke of his pride in Japan's performance after they came within a whisker of winning only their second match in Rugby World Cup history. The Brave Blossoms led Canada from the 24th minute until the 79th but the match at McLean Park on Tuesday ended 23-23 - only the third draw in RWC history. "I think the boys played their hearts out, I'm very proud of them," said Kirwan. "They did a good job today and a win would have been great but I think that we just have to keep working hard.
No sooner had Monro struck the ball, than he turned and headed for...
his own side of halfway after successfully steering the kick between the posts at the Marine Parade end. You wouldn't have criticised him if we threw the ball in someone else's direction. But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Arlidge tried an optimistic drop goal attempt, in the shadows of fulltime, but the final score of 23-all was a fair reflection of a match in which both teams brought a massive amount to the contest. Japan finish the tournament winless, but finally showed the potential that so many people have credited them with. Canada, already victors over Tonga, have the dubious honour of playing the All Blacks in Wellington on Sunday.
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