The Oaks fall on top of the Wolves, Japanese dash Canadian hopes

PARIS: Canada and debutants Portugal had their hopes of winning a match at the World Cup dashed on Tuesday as both were hit by late scores by Japan and Romania respectively.

The Portuguese - or the 'Wolves' as is their monniker - were ahead eight minutes from time till the Romanians used their superior scrum to force over flanker Florin Corodeanu for the 'Oaks' second try which was converted, leaving Portugal requiring a try to edge ahead again.

It was unable to score, but left the pitch and the tournament with heads held high even if the side was winless - Romania will after the 14-10 victory at least enter their final match with points on the board but it is unlikely they will get a bounce effect from that as it is against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Canada too is unlikely to leave the campaign with a win under its belts - earning the unwanted national tag of being the first Canadian side to fail to win a match at a World Cup - and will be kicking itself for not doing so.

The Canucks were 12-5 ahead going into the dying seconds of added-on time when they failed to stop Koji Taira, who crossed in the right hand corner after sustained late Japanese pressure and then Shotaro Onishi held his nerve to slot over the conversion from a tight angle to earn a share of the spoils.

While Romania ended Portugal's hopes of taking home more than just its pride, which had not been anticipated before it arrived here, both side's bosses were singing from the same hymn sheet about what dangers lay in store for the sport should the number of teams be reduced from 20 to 16 as the IRB has been threatening to do.

Romania's French manager Robert Antonin made no bones about his desire it remain at 20 teams for the global showpiece.

"We have improved once again and this win is good for Romanian rugby," he said.

"I have already said it before but it bears repeating: The World Cup is vital for small teams and especially for Romania.

"That is why I am determined to defend the status quo of 20 teams and ask for even more, why not 24, in the future.

"The impact of competing in such a prestigious tournament can only help the development of the sport."

His Portuguese counterpart Tomais Morais concurred.

"This type of match proves that if one reduces the number of teams at the World Cup, it will be difficult for the minnows to raise their level."

Like Portugal Japan can take a lot out of the tournament - apart from a win that is - but even for its charismatic coach, All Black legend John Kirwan, it was a case of what might have been.

"I think that we showed a lot of courage," said Kirwan, who has also pleaded with the IRB tht it retain the present format.

"I don't think that we played well, we could have played a lot better so to come out with a draw is bitter sweet, that's the best way to describe it."

Those three team bosses will be hoping they will be feeling sweet and not bitter when the IRB finally comes to a conclusion over the numbers after the tournament is over - to many they have done enough to preserve their status.

AFP

(China Daily 09/27/2007 page24)