Canterbury issue "The Cherry Blossoms" with modern style for their 2015 Rugby World Cup home & away jerseys The Japan home jersey features a modern twist on the classic hooped design with a soft red and crisp white colour-way. The front and back panels display red and white hoops however they flow in a curved form and changing in width as they reach the lower … [Read more...]
Now And Yen – Japan Sabbaticals Could Help NZ Rugby
With some big name players having made the trip North to Japan this year we've seen an unusual occurrence where players have gone on to play extended seasons, in Brad Thorn's case, around the globe. It seems that the lure of money rather then the urge to play in an elite competition is the driving force behind players choosing to head to the land of the rising sun. Funds are … [Read more...]
RWC: Japan and Canada see deja vu in epic draw
Japan and Canada drew 23-23 in Napier this afternoon in an exciting repeat of their last-round draw in France in 2007. John Kirwan’s squad blew away the Canucks in the first half, with a flowing brand of running rugby punctuating constant possession which saw Canada concede two tries but narrowly escape harsher punishment. Kieran Crowley instructed his pack to remain the ball … [Read more...]
RWC: Match Preview: Canada – Japan
Canada and Japan clash in Napier today, 5pm local time, in a replay of the nail-biting 12-all draw in France that denied either side a victory in the 2007 World Cup. Third place in Pool A will guarantee one of the three minnows in the pool automatic qualification to the 2015 World Cup; so far Canada surprisingly lie in pole position after pinching a win against Tonga but need … [Read more...]
RWC: Tonga triumph against valiant Japanese
Tonga responded from a disappointing loss to Canada at Okara Park in Whangarei by beating fellow Pool A minnows Japan on the same pitch by a margin of 31-18. Both teams scored three tries but the accurate boot of Kurt Morath proved the difference; James Arlidge went from hero to villain in a dreadful display, failing to land a single kick while spending ten minutes in the bin. … [Read more...]