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[Griss]

Also, let's be honest, that win casts the 2019 rugby world cup in a whole new light. People could easily have been saying 'Why is the RWC going to Japan' or 'It's only going to Japan for money / to develop the game (fair enough)'. But now it feels like they're a proper rugby team who've earned the right to host one and defend their home turf, and one who will, with 4 years more development, have a real chance of getting out of their group. One their country can properly get behind with hope, rather than just good will.

It's just such a good development for rugby.

I played golf with a Scot today, he wasn't sure whether to be happy about the very real chance of topping the group now or shitting himself that they'll lose to Japan and have to beat SA to get through.

 

[ranmafan]

Wow! I finally watched the match, as I ended up going to bed early last night. Still can't believe it. An amazing performance by Japan, so exciting and so wonderful. Its certainly going to be a big boost here in Japan for Rugby. After dealing with all the craziness of the stadium issue and how it effects the next world cup the last few months, its great to see some huge good news come to the sport here. Just a wonderful moment and certainly they have gained a ton of new fans from this win here. I hope they can keep the momentum going for years to come. Oh I can't wait to go in 2019! But what a moment for now!

 

[affleck1981]

Oh, if Japan play even half that well Scotland will be very worried.

I'm wondering if Samoa and Japan will go through from the group!

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Are the S. Africans on suicide watch? What's the mood like?

I mean, I'd be lying if I said the mood was good afterwards, but there was nevertheless huge respect for Japan; particularly for turning down the penalty for draw three times and choosing to take the Boks on in the scrum. The Boks didn't even play a howler, to my mind - they were too fond of trying to bully Japan at the centre and ill disciplined at the tackle - but Japan's performance was once in a lifetime stuff. Their defense was incredible, every single player left their soul on that pitch.

 

[hobblygobbly]

Are the S. Africans on suicide watch? What's the mood like?

I heard a lot of trash talk (in a good spirited way) before the match from people and radio presenters, etc. They are all very surprised but impressed and respectful of Japan's win. Japan showed a country like South Africa where rugby is huge what they can do and on top of it beating them and showing good sportsmanship. A lot of disappointment but they loved the match from what both teams showed. Definitely a shocked mood though lol. I just got back from having breakfast at a cafe here and people behind me were talking about it. Their friend arrives and first thing he says to the group "do you believe it?". Lol

 

[Slacka]

Been looking forward to watching a World Cup game live for a long time now. Need to decide who to shout for today though, USA or Samoa. Warmups well in session here.

http://i.imgur.com/PvTMFY9.jpg

 

[Gonzalez]

So how many of the Japanese players are natural citizens?

 

[KingSnake]

Irish fans in Cardiff watching the last minutes of the game between South Africa and Japan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=55&v=oJdfTERaZI4

The spirit of rugby.

 

[CCS]

Samoa v USA should be a great game. Three Saracens in the Eagles team, so I guess I'm cheering for them!

 

[FortuneFaded]

The US national anthem is quite nice when it's not being drawn out like a Peter Jackson film.

 

[BanGy.nz]

Samoans being bumped off tackles isn't something you expect to see within the first minute.

 

[CCS]

Samoans being bumped off tackles isn't something you expect to see within the first minute.

To be fair Palamo is absolutely monstrous.

 

[LiquidSolid]

So how many of the Japanese players are natural citizens?

There's 10 foreign born players in the 31 man squad but most of those players made their name in Japan. Their captain, Leitch, moved to Japan when he was 15.

 

[faridmon]

I don't understand what the big fuss is Japan beating South Africa. They have been improving for years and was about time they actually did something on this magnitude. In fact I think its surprising this have become a news considering Rugby used to be the national sport before Baseball took over.

Maybe the the shock was how badly South Africa played

 

[CCS]

I don't understand what the big fuss is Japan beating South Africa. They have been improving for years and was about time they actually did something on this magnitude. In fact I think its surprising this have become a news considering Rugby used to be the national sport before Baseball took over.

Maybe the the shock was how badly South Africa played

There is still a huge gulf. They lost to the USA two months ago and they haven't won a world cup match since 1991, so it's understandable that it's a huge shock

 

[LiquidSolid]

I don't understand what the big fuss is Japan beating South Africa. They have been improving for years and was about time they actually did something on this magnitude. In fact I think its surprising this have become a news considering Rugby used to be the national sport before Baseball took over.

Maybe the the shock was how badly South Africa played

Yeah, why would anyone create a big fuss over Japan getting their first RWC win for 24 years over one of the best teams on the planet? That happens every day! Do you have any idea what you're talking about? I doubt it because rugby's never been Japan's national sport.

 

[phisheep]

USA getting pummelled a bit here. Nicely worked try that.

 

[ISWThunder]

I don't understand what the big fuss is Japan beating South Africa. They have been improving for years and was about time they actually did something on this magnitude. In fact I think its surprising this have become a news considering Rugby used to be the national sport before Baseball took over.

Maybe the the shock was how badly South Africa played

lol, yea why would anyone make a fuss over the biggest upset in RWC history? Don't 100-1 underdogs cash in every World Cup?

 

[ISWThunder]

USA getting pummelled a bit here. Nicely worked try that.

Yea, USA looks bad so far. Although that was a weak penalty call prior to the try. There was barely any contact and the kicker flopped like a fish.

Brilliant try though.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

I don't understand what the big fuss is Japan beating South Africa. They have been improving for years and was about time they actually did something on this magnitude. In fact I think its surprising this have become a news considering Rugby used to be the national sport before Baseball took over.

Maybe the the shock was how badly South Africa played

you don't understand how the 2nd ranked team in the world losing to japan is a big deal? In a game that wasn't a fluke win no less, they literally outworked and outplayed SA on offense and defense. It's a huge deal. one of the largest upsets in the game in forever, perhaps ever.

 

[faridmon]

Yeah, why would anyone create a big fuss over Japan getting their first RWC win for 24 years over one of the best teams on the planet? That happens every day! Do you have any idea what you're talking about? I doubt it because rugby's never been Japan's national sport.

in the 50s and 60s it definitely been a huge sport over there.

Like I said they have been improving gradually and it was about time they got their act together. South Africa was rubbish yesterday and getting beat an improved Japanese side felt... appropriate in away. How the hell is being best in the world help you if your current game is rubbish?

The same could be said about Holland beating Spain in the WC.

There is still a huge gulf. They lost to the USA two months ago and they haven't won a world cup match since 1991, so it's understandable that it's a huge shock

Fair enough. but I have watched a game or two in the past few years and Japan definitely looked way better than they did in the 90s

 

[CCS]

in the 50s and 60s it definitely been a huge sport over there.

Like I said they have been improving gradually and it was about time they got their act together. South Africa was rubbish yesterday and getting beat an improved Japanese side felt... appropriate in away. How the hell is being best in the world help you if your current game is rubbish?

The same could be said about Holland beating Spain in the WC.

Comparing this to Holland v Spain is ridiculous. Try the Faroe Islands beating Germany.

I mean, it's only 12 years since New Zealand put 145 past them.

 

[MikeyB]

.
Like I said they have been improving gradually and it was about time they got their act together. South Africa was rubbish yesterday and getting beat an improved Japanese side felt... appropriate in away. How the hell is being best in the world help you if your current game is rubbish?

So in your mind the game wasn't an upset because the team that lost was the one that was losing? How do you define an upset devoid of reputation?

 

[Deleted member 1235]

in the 50s and 60s it definitely been a huge sport over there.

Like I said they have been improving gradually and it was about time they got their act together. South Africa was rubbish yesterday and getting beat an improved Japanese side felt... appropriate in away. How the hell is being best in the world help you if your current game is rubbish?

The same could be said about Holland beating Spain in the WC.

what in the fuck am I reading. Holland was world cup finalists and world cup semi-finalists 2 cups in a row... they are a team that SHOULD have a chance of beating spain.

this is nothing like that. it's pretty much the exact opposite of that.

 

[CCS]

What a beautiful try! Chris Wyles, what a great player he is! Saracen and legend.

 

[Gonzalez]

I hate games that feel like the outcome is already inevitable. This is one of those.

 

[phisheep]

Well, that one came out of nowhere. Hope the game livens up in the second half - I am falling asleep here.

 

[Musha_Soturi]

Nice one USA! I have no idea who I want to win this game

 

[CCS]

I hate games that feel like the outcome is already inevitable. This is one of those.

I wouldn't be so sure, USA are fighting hard.

 

[Gonzalez]

Spoke too soon.

 

[FDC1]

in the 50s and 60s it definitely been a huge sport over there.

Like I said they have been improving gradually and it was about time they got their act together. South Africa was rubbish yesterday and getting beat an improved Japanese side felt... appropriate in away. How the hell is being best in the world help you if your current game is rubbish?

The same could be said about Holland beating Spain in the WC.



Fair enough. but I have watched a game or two in the past few years and Japan definitely looked way better than they did in the 90s

please stop, it's embarassing for you.

 

[Gonzalez]

Those markings on the back of the shorts look awful. Are those supposed to represent pockets?

 

[SHarris78]

Just saw the Welsh lineup, hope we can still get a few tries with a partial second string team. We need all the points we can get with the English and Aussies to come.

Can't believe Priestland is playing, or has even been picked in the squad for that matter. Guy's a liability.

 

[CCS]

Palamo has been very good today.

 

[Gonzalez]

Alright, I'm watching this on the Universal Sports website, and I've noticed it says "This free preview will end in 01:30", and it now says "Your preview has ended" but the stream hasn't died. What's going on here? Because I sure as hell know that I don't have Universal Sports on my cable package, or signed in to this stream using my cable provider. Is this only temporary for a day?

 

[SomedayTheFire]

Thought the US were holding their own against an obviously stronger side, but they're very naïve in defence and ill disciplined

 

[phisheep]

Quite possible the most boring match I've ever watched. Don't know if Samoa has got worse or USA has got better.

Clancy had a good game as ref.

 

[Musha_Soturi]

I am so ready for this

 

[FaceTurn]

in the 50s and 60s it definitely been a huge sport over there.

What year is it now?

 

[CCS]

I am so ready for this

I'll be supporting Wales out of Celtic solidarity and a desire to fuck over the English.

 

[Slacka]

Crowd seemed a bit all over the place in the stadium, slightly favoured the USA but you could tell people were getting bored towards the end when swing low and mexican waves started breaking out.

Definately wish i had got tickets for the other game at this stadium, but all in all a fun experience today.

 

[FortuneFaded]

a desire to fuck over the English.

What happened? I though we were bros.

 

[pulsemyne]

Just saw the Welsh lineup, hope we can still get a few tries with a partial second string team. We need all the points we can get with the English and Aussies to come.

Can't believe Priestland is playing, or has even been picked in the squad for that matter. Guy's a liability.

We should be okay. Agree on priestland though he is a bit dodgy. Maybe he will have a good game.
Still the selection is understandable as the last thing we need is more players injured.

 

[CCS]

What happened? I though we were bros.

Mate my innate Scottishness is shining through.

 

[SHarris78]

We should be okay. Agree on priestland though he is a bit dodgy. Maybe he will have a good game.
Still the selection is understandable as the last thing we need is more players injured.

Yeah, If a couple of the bigger name players get injured today we're pretty much stuffed.

 

[LiquidSolid]

Are the S. Africans on suicide watch? What's the mood like?

I'm a bit late with this but some of the talk I've heard is putting a lot of the blame on the SA government and their quota system (where I think 30% of the team have to be black, regardless of how good they are). Apparently a couple of the players weren't black enough for some people's liking (either mixed race or immigrants), so there was a big debacle surrounding the team over that, where some group threatened to take them to court and force them to no-show the RWC. Sounds like a mess, as most South African politics often does.

Quite possible the most boring match I've ever watched. Don't know if Samoa has got worse or USA has got better.

Clancy had a good game as ref.

Seemed like they both got worse to me. USA's ball retention and defence were piss poor, while Samoa lacked accuracy. Still more interesting to watch than France vs Italy yesterday though. That game just seemed like both teams knew the result and were just going through the paces to get there.

 

[CelticKnight]

Settling down to watch the Wales match, should be interesting. Have a feeling it's going to a closer result than I would like.

Truth be told, I can't see us going far in this tournament. Injuries have screwed us over a little bit.

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Hallam Amos was a few years below me at school, know him quite well. Hope he does okay.

 

[Musha_Soturi]

Well that's not a good start

 

[phisheep]

oops