Japan ended their 13 match losing streak at World Cup tournaments with a draw against Canada. Japan, playing their last game at the 2007 tournament, did not have it all their own way though. The two teams matched up well, with the Canadian forwards setting a good platform for their backs and the Japanese defending like demons. It was Japan who opened the scoring through a brilliant run from Kusuke Endo, and they held onto the lead until halftime. After the break Canada scored from a line out and the teams were locked at 5-5. Canada then took the lead through a try from SA born winger, DTH van der Merwe and it looked like Japan was going to lose again. Japan launched into attack on the Canadian tryline and were rewarded in the 84th minute with a try by Koji Tairi. The conversion was good and Japan ended their losing streak. Final score: Japan 12 Canada 12