Japan thrash Canada

Asian champions Japan scored six tries as they thrashed Canada 46-8 in the opener of their two-match Test series in Sendai on Sunday.

Left flanker Michael Leitch opened the scoring in the ninth minute with stand-off Shaun Webb missing the conversion but later adding two penalties to take an 11-3 lead, which appeared enough to beat the visitors.

Number eight Takashi Kikutani and full back Go Aruga added two more converted tries to end the first half 25-3, with Canada's points coming from a James Pritchard penalty.

Substitute Alisi Tupuailei, left winger Hirotoki Onozawa, and hooker Shota Horie added three more tries with conversions to make it 46-3 before Nathan Hirayama touched down a consolation try for Canada in the dying minutes.

The second match will be played in Tokyo next Saturday.

The Scorers: 

For Japan: 
Tries:  Michael Leitch, Takashi Kikutani, Go Aruga, Alisi

Tupuailei, Hirotoki Onozawa, Shota Horie.
Cons:  Shaun Webb(4), James Arlidge.
Pens:  Shaun Webb (2).

For Canada: 
Try:  Nathan Hirayama.
Pens:  James Pritchard.