BLOEMFONTEIN TO BRIGHTON
Five defining moments in Japanese rugby
A look at five defining moments in the rugby history of the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts
Tokyo — With one year to go before Japan hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup, we take a look at five defining moments in Japanese rugby history. Japan have appeared at every World Cup since the tournament began in 1987. After marking their debut with a 21-18 defeat by the US, there was a taste of things to come when they shipped 60 points to England. Fragile egos were given a timely boost at the next World Cup in 1991, when Japan thumped Zimbabwe 52-8, but it proved a false dawn. Things would get worse for the Asian champions four years later — much, much worse. It was a case of third time unlucky for Japan at the World Cup in 1995 when they conceded a half-century of points against both Wales and Ireland before running into the mighty All Blacks in Bloemfontein. With the top rugby nations preparing to turn professional, New Zealand pulverised Japan 145-17 as they ran in 21 tries in a record victory to underline the gulf in class. Future coach Eddie Jones slammed that team as a "joke" — ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.