Minnows ba le for Japan ticket

– Germany expect a bruising battle against Canada in today’s crunch repechage clash for the final qualifying berth for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Canada, Germany, Hong Kong and Kenya are competing in a fortnight-long tournament in Marseille to claim the last place at next year’s World Cup.

The Canadians opened up with a 65-19 hammering of Kenya last Sunday before the Germans, who have never previously appeared at a Rugby World Cup, scored two late tries to grind out a 26-9 win over Hong Kong, the top seeds in the repechage.

Having picked up a bonus point in their 10-try romp against Kenya, Canada top the table by a point going into Saturday’s showdown.

Canada, who have qualified for all eight previous Rugby World Cup finals, are clear favourites and Germany are under no illusions.

“Canada play similarly to Hong Kong, but they have more experience and present a physical challenge,” said German coach Mike Ford, who also coached Bath and Toulon. –

Marseille