Many people have been excited and moved to see players fighting with vigor in the Rugby World Cup (RWC). The Japan team should be praised for opening a new chapter in the history of Japan's rugby.
In the ongoing RWC tournament here, Japan achieved four consecutive wins in the pool-stage matches, achieving its goal of advancing to the final eight for the first time.
There is no doubt about Japan's genuine ability, as it defeated two traditional powerhouses, Ireland and Scotland. Japan's feat is drawing attention as an outstanding achievement that changes the rankings of rugby teams in the world, in which those from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere are ranked high.
After beating Russia in its opening match, Japan scored a historic victory over Ireland, one of the favorites for tournament winner, and in its next match, Japan overwhelmed the powerful Samoa.
Sunday's match with Scotland was to decide whether Japan would be able to advance to the final eight. Retaining the ball with one quick pass after another, Japan repeatedly gained a try, withstanding attacks pressed by its opponent with fierce combativeness.
Sunday's game was fought while information about typhoon-caused damage was becoming widely known. Japan's showing in the match was encouraging to the people, as illustrated by a remark by captain Michael Leitch, who said, "We were able to encourage [disaster victims], even if just a little."
Worthy of special mention about Japan's fight in the ongoing RWC is that it does not lose to much stronger opponents who are more physically imposing.
Its forwards have been equally strong as they scrum with their opponents. They have also unleashed waves of highly precise tackles. The tenacity of the forwards has inspired the courageous movements of the backs.
The Japan players' own initiative taken in changing their style of play, depending on the situation, has contributed to their wins. There is reason to recognize that the Japan team has further evolved, compared with its status in the preceding RWC, in which it had made rapid progress by thoroughly following tactics formulated in advance.
Efforts by Japan's rugby world as a whole to beef up its team have borne fruit. Since 2016, many Japan players have participated in Super Rugby, the greatest rugby competition in the Southern Hemisphere, in addition to hard training and meticulous preparations. Accumulated overseas experience has helped them develop mental strength and ability, so they will not be daunted by powerful opponents and can respond to any situations.
Individual Japan players have made a splendid showing. They include Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka, both of whom used their speed to repeatedly score tries; Yu Tamura, who accurately kicked the ball; and Kazuki Himeno, who skillfully wrenched the ball from opponents. It is safe to say that the players' efforts to fight as one by uniting their individual strengths have earned their team victories.
Its quarterfinal opponent is South Africa, which boasts of having won the RWC twice. Although Japan achieved a dramatic win over that team in the preceding RWC, it suffered a crushing defeat when they met again in a warm-up game just before the ongoing tournament. Japan should make all-out preparations to courageously fight South Africa again.
What is impressive about the current tournament is that each participating team praises the other for its good fight after their matches, regardless of which has won. It is hoped that everyone will enjoy watching clashes among top-notch players and rugby culture in the final-eight matches, too.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 16, 2019)
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