Pool A Japan v Canada

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Japan held by gutsy Canada

Dth Van Der Merwe of Canada makes a break during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Canada and Japan at McLean Park on September 27, 2011 in Napier, New Zealand.
(September 26, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)
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Japan were denied their first Rugby World Cup victory in 20 years as they were held 23 points apiece against Canada at McLean Park on Tuesday.
The game in Napier created the same sharing of the points that occurred in the 2007 tournament in what was an entertaining spectacle for the fans.
Japan led a scrappy contest 23-15 with just five minutes remaining, but could not hang on for its first tournament win since 1991 as Canada fly-half Ander Monro crossed for a try and then knocked over a levelling penalty soon after.
Man of the match: He was a threat all day with ball in-hand and fully deserves this award. Well done outside centre DTH van der Merwe. Mentions too for Japan centre Ryan Nicholas and blindside Sione Vatuvei, who were both deadly in attach and defence all day.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7205489,00.html
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next test:
10-2
Canada v NZ
Wellington
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Japan finishes 0 - 3 - 1
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