Inspiring goal-line tackle paves way for Canada in rugby 7s win over Japan

A crunching goal-line tackle by forward Alex Russell early in the first half swung the momentum as Canada scored 29 straight points in a 29-5 win over Japan at the HSBC Canada Sevens rugby tournament Sunday at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.

Russell's bruising hit knocked a Japanese ball carrier out of bounds inches before he scored the game's first points. The Canadians responded by moving down the field and taking the lead.

"It was a hell of a tackle," said playmaker Cooper Coats, who kicked two converts in the victory. "We needed that early.

"We pride ourselves on our defence. We want to be that stubborn team on defence, not letting anyone through. That was just one of the examples of one of the guys putting their body on the line."

Besides his defence, Russell scored two tries in the win. Captain Phil Berna, Jake Thiel and Anton Ngongo also scored for Canada.

Coming into the tournament head coach Henry Paul said Canada's goal was to reach the tournament's quarter-finals. After winning just one of three games Saturday, the best Canada can finish is ninth. The Canadians lost 26-10 to Australia and 19-14 to South Africa before beating Spain 26-10 Saturday.

An Easter Bunny with floppy ears was among the colourful and imaginative costumes in the crowd at B.C. Place. There also was a pony with a blue mane, workers in hard hats and vets, three characters from the Handmaid's Tale and several loud sport jackets decorated with Maple Leafs.

The Canadian side competing at this year's tournament is a young, rebuilding squad after 10 veterans retired from the sevens team that finished eighth at the Tokyo Olympics.

"As a group I think we're slowly gelling together," said Russell. "We're starting to look a bit better. We know