What an odd sport it is when Japan, Canada, USA and Russia are only competing in a minor tournament.
This is actually a very good result for Japan. Six months too late for the World Cup, though.
IRB: Cherry Blossoms take Super Powers Cup
Sunday May 30 2004
34 - 21 victory over Canadians result of great second half by Japan
While it was a strong start for the Canadians, who had beaten a much more experienced US team 23-20 to book a spot in the final, the pace of the Japanese in 32 C heat was too much to control in the second half.
Fullback Toichi Ohigashi single handidly undid the Canadian defense on two occasions scoring in the 41st and 66 th minutes, the second tally a stunning dummy pass that froze the Canadian cover, allowing the speedy back to cross untouched. One was converted giving the Japanese the lead once more at 22 - 18.
Dihatsu Ohata [sic] then showed his world class pace - blazing for a long run to score the third try of the half for the Japanese - the Ikeda conversion putting a stamp on the Super Powers title with a 31-21 scoreline. Japan added a penalty late for the final 34-21 score.
...The US defeated Russia in the play-off for third and fourth - scoring a 41-11 victory.
Reckon a spellchecker turned Daisuke's name into a quasi-truck brand?
