Japan player ratings vs Canada | Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup

In their opening match of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024, Japan faced Canada in a classic rivalry.

The rejuvenated Japan team secured a hard-earned 55-28 victory, despite Canada’s determined effort for a strong second-half comeback.

Below are the player ratings for Japan:

1. Shogo Miura – 7/10
Known for his diligent attitude and high work rate, Shogo Miura showcased his signature set-piece stability and moments of explosiveness in collisions against Canada. In the first half, he outperformed the opposition front rows with his dedicated effort and speed on both sides of the ball.

2. Atsushi Sakate – 7
The 44-cap hooker led the young Japan team with composure and experience, setting the tone of the game through consistent line out performances. This stability allowed the team to execute their first-phase attacks effectively and gain the early momentum they needed.

3. Keijiro Tamefusa – 7
Keijiro Tamefusa displayed solid scrummaging and physicality in close-range carries against Canada. As a prop, he outperformed his opponents with superior mobility and acceleration around the field.

4. Sanaila Waqa – 6
Sanaila Waqa’s offloading and ball retention in contact created exciting opportunities for spectators. However, against stronger opponents, he will need to elevate his skill execution—such as minimising handling errors and improving ball carries—to fully realise his potential consistently.

5. Warner Dearns – 10
The Player of the Match, who scored two tries, demonstrated high-quality execution in every aspect of the game, from set pieces to phase play. His aggressive explosiveness, particularly in acceleration for both carrying and defending, significantly contributed to Japan’s physical dominance.

6. Tiennan Costley – 9
Tiennan Costley showcased remarkable endurance, consistently delivering high power throughout the game, particularly in his defensive effort.

7. Kanji Shimokawa – 8
Despite receiving a red card in the summer series Test matches, Kanji Shimokawa’s aggression in the contact zone remained evident
with improved discipline. He has learned from past experiences and demonstrated his capability as the sole Japan-born back-row player in the game.

8. Faulua Makisi – 7
Faulua Makisi maintained high spirits throughout the game against a determined Canadian side. His dominant collisions and breakdown pressure were key contributions, and he showcased his handling skills wisely when opportunities arose.

9. Shinobu Fujiwara – 9
Shinobu Fujiwara moved effectively throughout the game, ensuring quick ruck arrivals, high-tempo deliveries, and seamless
connections with the pods to drive a fast-paced attack. Always present where the ball was, he demonstrated a strong balance of aggressiveness and stability in both attack and defence.

10. Seungsin Lee – 6
Seungsin Lee’s physical presence and ball-carrying abilities were evident throughout the game. Improved decision-making in crucial moments will be required against tougher opponents, as a few simple errors and decisions put the team under pressure.

11. Malo Tuitama – 9
Tuitama scored his debut try to start the game and continued to find space, driving the team forward from various positions on the field. His
strength in carrying the ball was crucial for Japan in making inroads into Canadian territory.

12. Nicholas McCurran – 8
Nicholas McCurran, making his debut, showed diligence as a second-five, effectively transferring the ball to the edges. While he may not have been a highlight-reel player, his consistent effort, decision-making, and fundamental skills made him an unsung hero, seizing crucial opportunities for Japan.

13. Dylan Riley – 9
Dylan Riley was a major attacking threat in the midfield, proving to be a dynamic force against the Canadian defence and creating scoring
opportunities. His speed and power were effectively utilised when required.

14. Jone Naikabula – 6
Jone Naikabula’s try-scoring ability was evident when given space, though such opportunities were limited in the game, with more chances occurring on the other side of the field. Improved integration with the back three and more proactive involvement in phase play will be key to utilising his physical dominance throughout the match.

15. Yoshitaka Yazaki – 8
Yoshitaka Yazaki consistently demonstrated his skills, particularly in counter-attacks, drawing significant attention from the Canadian defence. His strength in one-on-one situations and his courage to commit to his decisions greatly enhanced Japan’s tactical kicking game.

Reserves

16. Mamoru Harada (47’ for Atsushi Sakate) – 8
Mamoru Harada showcased his running game with impressive footwork in collisions around the breakdown. His quick recovery and eagerness to re-engage effectively prevented Canada from gaining momentum.

17. Takayoshi Mohara (47’ for Shogo Miura) – 7
Takayoshi Mohara faced intense pressure from Canada’s scrum and struggled to counter effectively, resulting in several scrum penalties. While his overall performance was neutral, crucial set-piece moments highlighted the need for better performance. Hopefully, Mohara will help provide scrum solutions for Japan in future games against larger Pacific Island teams.

18. Shuhei Takeuchi (47’ for Keijiro Tamefusa) – 7
Shuhei Takeuchi provided crucial energy as a substitute in the second half. His high acceleration before contact and leg power afterward significantly advanced Japan’s position. However, given the increased scrum pressure Japan faced in the second half, it would be ideal to see the same level of aggressiveness reflected in the set pieces.

19. Eishin Kuwano (65’ for Sanaila Waqa) – 6
His performance was somewhat average and did not stand out. As a substitute brought on in the second half, a more noticeable impact would be ideal for the team.

20. Isaiah Mapusua (54’ for Faulua Makisi) – 7
Debutant Isaiah Mapusua displayed aggression and a high work rate in ball-carrying and contact situations, showcasing his competitiveness on the international stage. His physicality and tactical awareness added strength to the team.

21. Taiki Koyama (63’ for Shinobu Fujiwara) – 6
Taiki Koyama, alongside Tatekawa, faced the challenging task of changing the rhythm of the game, but Japan continued to struggle under Canada's pressure. While altering the game flow is a difficult task, expectations are high for a substitute scrum half at the international level.

22. Harumichi Tatekawa (63’ for Harumichi Tatekawa) – 6
Veteran captain Harumichi Tatekawa made his return to the international stage in an away environment for the first time in 6 years and 9 months. While he can rally the team, many viewers expected him to turn the game around under pressure from Canada, both in terms of play and leadership. However, this impact was not fully seen today.

23. Tomoki Osada (66’ for Malo Tuitama) – 8
Although he was only given 14 minutes to play, Tomoki Osada made a significant impact on the field. His final try, resulting from an intercept, was a great example of his determination to stay involved until the final whistle.