Japan Brave Blossoms vs Canada PNC 2024 Preview

rugbyasia247 Posted On August 24, 2024

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Eddie Jones and his new-look Brave Blossoms get their Pacific Nations Cup 2024 underway on Sunday 25 August at BC Place in Vancouver having not lost to Canada in the past 8 matches.

In the 25 times the two nations’ men’s XV teams have played, Japan has won 15 times while Canada has won on 8 occasions with two matches having ended up draws – both at Rugby World Cups.

The venue on Sunday was the setting the last time Japan faced Canada and the Brave Blossoms won on that occasion 8 years ago in 2016, 26-22.

Eddie Jones is rebuilding the national side so having the 3rd best record in the PNC won’t mean much, as they are still without a test win in 2024 and have only won three of their last 15 tests. Getting up to speed in test rugby while cutting down on basic errors has been highlighted by Jones and they also need to address the discipline issues which have seen them receive cards in the matches this year.

Under the new brand the Brave Blossoms are trying to play, they have kicked less, and run the ball more but have been less dominant in the collisions.

Canada is also rebuilding having missed qualification for RWC 2023 – the first time they hadn’t been involved. They had a heavy loss against Scotland 73-12 and beat Romania 35-22 thus far in 2024. The win against the Romanian ‘Oaks” was their first in seven matches against them, and also saw Six Canadians make their test debut.

Eoghan Cross (Ireland) is the match referee.

Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024

Match Permutations PNC 2024 – Japan vs Canada (August 2024)

Japan can not improve on their 14th place even if they beat hosts Canada.
The Brave Blossoms will drop below Portugal if beaten and Canada will climb above Romania into 20th place if they win.