Japan rewarded with last gasp draw

 

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By michael fay, 25 Sep 2007 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

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Michael Fay writes: In one of the most exciting games of the World Cup, Japan staged a last minute attack to snatch a deserving draw against Canada.

It was a tightly fought match from beginning to end with Canada and Japan both apparently headed for a win at various stages. A late second half conversion by former Australian Rugby League player James Pritchard seemed to have sealed the game for Canada.

With no time left on the clock the Japanese launched what appeared to be their final sortie with a kick over the top for the winger. Canadian halfback and captain Morgan Williams running back in defence was judged by the video referree to have made an illegal knock of the ball over the dead ball line before he went crashing into the advertising awnings and TV cameras. From the ensuing penalty the Japanese made one last backline attack and with a perfect cut out pass the Japanese winger scored a memorable try making the score 12-10 with the sideline kick to come. The conversion snuck inside the uprights and produced pandemonium in the Japanese camp and gasps from all at the ground.

The crowd had witnessed the essence of World Cup Rugby and it was a fitting result for a match that combined hard fought forward combat with bone cruncing defence in the backs. The capacity crowd in Bordeaux at Stade Chaban -Delmas just couldn’t stop smiling.

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