Canucks regroup for Japan clash

Canada coach Kieran Crowley may not have liked the scoreline in Sunday's clash with France but at least he has been consoled by a clean bill of health.

"We’ve got a few bumps and bruises but pending a more thorough medical look tomorrow I can’t foresee any major problems," Crowley reported on a restful day in Napier on Monday.

It’s no surprise the Canucks are a little battered around the edges. It was the same 22-man line-up who went down 46-19 to the French at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday that had been so successful in their 25-20 victory over Tonga in Pool A just four days earlier.

In five punishing days, these players stuck to their task manfully through two 80-minute matches of top-class rugby, racking up 210 tackles in the process.

For Crowley, one win, one defeat and a fit squad makes for a pleasing report halfway through the pool stage.

“They’re all looking a bit roughed up after Sunday’s match but there’s not too much injury-wise that I’m concerned with at this stage,” added the New Zealand-born coach.

After their gruelling week, Crowley's men will take advantage of a generous break before they take on Japan next Tuesday.

“We haven’t had a proper day off since we got here so it’s a chance to recharge now before the Japan game because, after that, we have a short turnaround again before our next one."