Let me set the scene. I come from a little-known country on the tip of Africa aptly named South Africa. Here, rugby is a religion, worshipped on school fields and in stadiums across the nation. If you’ve ever watched Invictus (2009), then you know what I’m talking about.
In 2015, South Africa met Japan in the field during the Rugby World Cup for a David and Goliath matchup. Nobody expected David to be packing heat. When the final whistle blew, Japan was ahead 34 to 32, causing what commentators would call the biggest upset in rugby history.
Japan takes the victory from South Africa in the final minutes of this epic matchup.
I was working in Japan at the time, and remember apprehensively walking into the staff room the morning after. It’s a testimony to Japanese manners and work ethic that nobody mercilessly ragged on me, but Japan as a nation had taken notice. In the weeks that followed their historic victory, the news and talk shows were all talking rugby.
Before then, and now, baseball and sumo have been far more popular in Japan than rugby, but Japan’s appreciation for the game is growing. Right now, Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup, and doing a fine job of it too. As hosts of the third most popular sporting event in the world, Japan has managed to remain undefeated in their pool and will go on to play South Africa in Chofu during the quarterfinals.
A Taste of 2020
As a trial run for the 2020 Olympic games, the 2019 Rugby World Cup has proven to be a showcase for Japan’s famous omotenashi hospitality. That spirit is infectious, with fans and sportsmen alike proving that, as they say, rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen.
Teams bow to Japanese fans who came out to fill the stands and enjoy the game.
Despite cancellations caused by Typhoon Hagibis, Asia’s first Rugby World Cup has so far been a great success for Japan. If anything, the 2020 Olympics will benefit from Japan having hosted the Rugby World Cup, and given sports fans a taste of what’s to come.
The Real Test Starts Now
We’re rolling into the knockout rounds of the 2019 Rugby World Cup now, starting with the quarterfinals on the 19th and 20th. Will the hosts beat South Africa to advance to the semi-finals in Yokohama, or will the South Africans avoid another upset like the one in 2015? It’s sure to be a game to watch.
