Electrifying Japan set up clash of cultures v Springboks
Pacy Japan will pit their structured ball-holding and accuracy in attack against a tough-as-teak South Africa side in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals next weekend after an electrifying 28-21 victory over Scotland.
It would have been a crying shame for all involved at a packed Yokohama Stadium had the Pool A decider not gone ahead following the deadly Typhoon Hagibis that swept through eastern Japan overnight.
World Rugby gave the green light and the spectacle on show was a refreshing take on a sport that often degenerates into a scripted battle of dominance where there is little enterprise on show.
Jamie Joseph’s Japanese team, a mix of startling speedsters and hardened, defensively savvy veterans, demonstrated not only a devastating attacking verve but also an ability to retain possession that more than deserved the deafening roars of “Nippon! Nippon!” that echoed around the stadium for much of the game.
Flyhalf Yu Tamura was at the heart of everything good Japan did, although he did miss two first-half penalties that could have handed the host nation some breathing space in a tense encounter which Scotland had to win without conceding any bonus points to reach the last eight.
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