What a performance. Before the start of the World Cup, many people felt Japan had a chance of pulling off an upset. Few could have predicted just how good they would be.
They completely dominated Ireland and were fully deserving of their victory. Today against the Scots, they seemed to step things up another notch.
Some of the rugby they played was breathtaking at times, scoring a couple of tries that we be the envy of any team in world rugby. While Scotland put together a bit of a comeback in the second half, there was a sense of inevitability about Japan's victory.
While questions may have been raised if Japan were granted passage to the quarter finals without today's game being played, there can be no such doubts now. They are very much there on merit.
Whether this match would go ahead was a 50/50 call right up until the final hours. Images emerging from the ground yesterday offered little encouragement, but hard work from a number of people ensured this one would go ahead.
Japan has been badly struck by this weather event. Typhoon Hagibis has already claimed the lives of 23 people in the country, with a further 16 people missing.
Speaking after the game, Japan captain Michael Leitch dedicated the win to those who have suffered during the typhoon.
Hear from @JRFURugby's captain Michael Leitch in an emotional, proud and upbeat interview 👏
🗣"Our heart goes out to all the people suffering at the moment...Today was about emotion and physicality." #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/2rFJtUMLao— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
I'd just like to thank everybody who turned up tonight. It's a tough time at the moment with the typhoon, but I'd like to thank the people that made this game happen.
To anyone that is suffering at the minute with the typhoon, this game is all for you guys...
The crowd was massive for us. Today was more than just a game for us. There was talk about this game not happening, so I'd just like to thank the people that made the game happen.
Our heart goes out to all the people suffering with the typhoon...
I'm incredibly proud, from the very start we played with our heart. Today wasn't about skill, it was about emotion and physicality. I think we showed that today.
We know we're representing Asia, we're representing Japan, we're representing Tier 2. We're going to give it everything in the next couple of games.
Japan coach Jamie Jospeh also extended his best wishes to those who have been affected.
Hear from @JRFURugby's coach Jamie Joseph as he reflects on a brilliant victory 👏
🗣"There's a lot of people that have done a lot of hard work. The guys have a lot of belief now and realise what it actually takes to get across the line." #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/7lroHvoNYf— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
Japan's win will no doubt provide the whole country with a major boost, with the hosts now set to face South Africa in the quarter finals one week from today.
Japan players thank fans with bow after beating Scotland to reach their first Rugby World Cup Quarter-final #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/7jTpJai9Mh
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
