Is Japan still on a roll from 2003?
In Australia the Japanese seduced the Rugby planet with their match play based on movement and 100% commitment. Four years later they want to add efficiency to the way they play and hope to have a second world cup success.
Sixteen years. In September 2007, 16 years will separate the Japan XV from their one and only RWC victory. In 1991 in Belfast the ‘Cherry Blossoms’ thrashed Zimbabwe 52-8. Since then, they have not won even though Japan has played in each and every RWC. Their worst defeat ever was against New Zealand in 1995 (17-145).
Up to 2003 there were signs of improvement in the Japanese camp and the creation of a national championship, the Top League, is a significant sign of development. However, it was during the RWC itself that the real turning point came: the Japanese Team mesmerised the crowds with their speed, movement and determination. They made the USA panic (26-39), but were proud of their performance against Scotland (11-32) and France (29-51).
Despite a disappointing European Tour in 2004 and the recent removal of the French man Jean-Pierre Elissalde from his post as Head Coach who was replaced by the former All Black John Kirwan, Japan hopes to perform in 2007. Japan does not have any rivals in Asia but Daisuke Ohata, the world’s best test match try scorer (65 tries from 55 matches), and his Team mates want to measure up to the best Teams in the world. Australia, Wales, Fiji and Canada have been warned.
Colours: |
Striped white and red jersey, black shorts, black socks |
Emblem: |
The cherry blossom |
Nickname: |
The Cherry Blossoms |
National anthem: |
Kimi Ga Yo (Imperial Reign) |
IRB world ranking (2006/11): |
18th |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Eliminated in the pool phase in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003 16 matches played, 1 win, 15 defeats 265 points scored, 765 points conceded |
Head coach: |
John Kirwan |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Ryo Yamamura, Masahito Yamamoto, Tomokazu Soma, Tatsukichi Nishiura, Yuji Matsubara, Mitsugu Yamamoto, Hitoshi Ono, Takanori Kumagae, Luatangi Vatuvei, Luke Thompson, Takuro Miuchi (NEC, capt), Yasunori Watanabe, Hajime Kiso, Hare Makiri, Philip O'Reilly, Takamichi Sasaki. Backs: Yuki Yatomi, Tomoki Yoshida, Eiji Ando, Kousei Ono, Shotaro Onishi, Nataniela Oto, Yuta Imamura, Koji Taira, Bryce Robins, Daisuke Ohata, Hirotoki Onozawa, Kosuke Endo, Christian Loamanu, Go Aruga. |
NUM8ER