Hong Kong's hopes of winning the Pacific Rim Championship received a major boost yesterday when Japan scored a shock 32-31 win over Canada in Tokyo.
It was the first time in 11 years that Japan had beaten Canada. The victory enabled Hong Kong to remain on top of the four-nation standings, following their 46-9 drubbing of the United States on Saturday at the Aberdeen Stadium.
Recalled Japanese centre Wataru Murata scored the decisive try towards the end of the game as Japan narrowly beat the reigning tournament champions at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Tokyo.
Japan scored four tries to Canada's three as they squeezed through to their first victory over the north Americans since 1986.
Despite the loss, Canada salvaged a point as they finished within a seven-point margin. Canada have now got five points, three behind Hong Kong, the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
This weekend's games will see Japan host the United States on Sunday in Osaka, while the territory take on Canada at the Aberdeen Stadium on Saturday.
