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The Japanese never really troubled the Canadians, who controlled most of the possession and probably could have could a number of other tries but instead made a few too many mistakes. The 28-14 win was comfortable, but with the Kiwis needed a big loss, Canada’s resulting +12 points difference didn’t look like it was enough. But in the end, that didn’t matter .— and that not qualifying after beating Fiji would have been a cruel result anyway.

Against Japan, Douglas again showed his form with three tries in a rather comfortable victory. He’s now firmly in third place overall in try scoring, with 39. The USA’s Perry Baker has 51, England’s Dan Norton 47. Scotland’s James Fleming is tied for fourth with South Africa’s Seabelo Senatla on 32; Senatla did all his damage in the first four tournaments of the season, as he switched to Super Rugby after the Sydney Sevens.

Matt Mullins had the other Canadian try against the Japanese.

In the final match of pool play, the young New Zealanders outlasted a very inexperienced Fiji side, winning 27-21.

Canada started the day with 81 points in the season standings, six behind sixth-place Scotland and one ahead of Argentina. A win against Argentina in the quarters will secure 8th place; a big run on Sunday and a slip by the Scot could see Canada back in 7th to close the year.

The Canadians finished 13th, ninth and sixth, respectively, over the last three seasons on the World Series.

— with files from The Canadian Press

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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