Pacific Nations Cup
Japan stun Canada with half-time turnaround
ESPN Staff
June 8, 2014
Report Match details
Date/Time: Jun 7, 2014, 18:00 local, 01:00 GMT +1d
Venue: Swangard Stadium, Vancouver
Canada 25 - 34 Japan
Attendance: 6382  Half-time: 25 - 9
Tries: Hearn, Moonlight, Paris
Cons: Pritchard 2
Pens: Pritchard 2
 Tries: Fujita, Tamura, Tui
Cons: Goromaru 2
Pens: Goromaru 5
Canada's Harry Jones comes up against a Japanese roadblock in the shape of Shota Horie
Canada's Harry Jones comes up against a Japanese roadblock in the shape of Shota Horie
 © Getty Images
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Japan overcame a 16-point half-time deficit to defeat Canada 34-25 in the opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Led by the boot of Ayumu Goromaru, Japan scored 25 unanswered points in the second-half as they extended their winning streak to eight games.

Goromaru landed five penalties and two conversions for a personal tally of 19 points, while Japan scored three tries thanks to Yoshikazu Fujita, Yu Tamura and Hendrik Tui.

The visitors found themselves outgunned in the first half as Canada ran in three tries in front of a 6,300 capacity crowd at the Swanguard Stadium. The first Canadian score came after just six minutes, with centre Ciaran Hearn crashing over for the opener. John Moonlight and Taylor Paris then crossed the whitewash to send Canada into the half-time break 25-9 to the good.

But far from capitulating, Japan came out for the second 40 minutes rejuvenated and snatched their first try just two minutes into the half. With the momentum firmly in their favour, the Brave Blossoms crossed twice more to complete a spectacular turnaround.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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