They did it ! Not frankly favorites of a Pool A that included Ireland and Scotland, the Brave Blossoms have hoisted Japan to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and what's more with the way. Four games, four wins, including a brilliant last against Scotland who played his skin in the tournament (28-21).
In a meeting held long uncertain because of typhoon Hagibis, the Japanese have reminded all the rugby world that they did not need a green carpet decision to earn their place in the top 8 worldwide. Doubt did not appear in the minds of Jamie Thomas's men until a quarter of an hour ago, when Scotsmen, like cuckolds, found fault with Russell (0-7, 7th) and took the lead.
But the Japanese, despite some indiscipline, have not deviated from their game plan: quick launches and advanced ball in hand. And the formula, once again, worked perfectly. Intense at the approach of the opposing defensive line, Matsushima first allowed his team to pick up (7-7, 18th), before Inagaki does roar the 70,000 supporters of Yokohama Stadium by flattening in turn, between the posts (14-7, 26e).
Fukuoka double for history
Then, just before the break, it was Fukuoka who imposed himself at the reception of a long kick of Tupou to give a little more margin to Japan (21-7, 40th). But after the locker room, the winger of the Sunwolves was obviously not satiated. On a Scottish attacking ball, he made his speed point, full axis, talk to concretize a ball ripped to Harris and sign a doubled (28-7, 43rd). And even if Nel (28-14, 50th) and Faggerson (28-21, 55th) moments later, have given some hope to the XV thistle, the beautiful story had already taken shape for local, imperial defense up to at the final whistle.
And the next chapter will have an air of déjà-vu for Japan. Michael Leich's team-mates will now have the heavy burden of facing South Africa in the quarter-finals. An opponent who, in case of missteps, will this time not have the opportunity to feign surprise: four years ago, the Springboks had already been victim of the Japanese fouge, for what was then only one improbable feat in the still nascent history of Brave Blossoms.