36 years and a world apart: Japan’s journey to Rugby World Cup contenders

The Brave Blossoms attack South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: World Rugby

In the wake of Japan being paired with England in the Rugby World Cup 2023 Draw, we take a look at how far the Brave Blossoms have come since their first and only previous meeting on the game’s biggest stage in 1987.

Bone crunching tackles, missing element

Former Flying Fijian centre Viliame Satala  tackles English skipper Lawrence Dallaglio in a 1999 Test match. Photo: Alamy

One of the trade mark weapons that the Flying Fijians seemed to shy away from on Saturday was the thunderous timed tackles that usually disrupted the Brave Blossom’s momentum.

The modern defensive patterns that seem effective in minimising secondary phase attacks is well and good, but Fiji’s main weapon against the nimble, rapid fire rucks by the feisty Japanese in the past was the hard tackles.

McKee retains Maori victors

Forwards Semi Kunatani, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa and Kalivati Tawake defend against the Maori All Blacks at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. Photo: New Zealand Herald

The squad which dominated proceedings against the Maori All Blacks in Suva a fortnight ago has been retained for the opening World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match against Japan.

Two changes in local loose head prop Eroni Mawi and winger Patrick Osbourne have been injected into the 27-10 victors with a few changes on the bench.

Japan victors over USA

Ayumu Goromaru booted 17 points for Japan. Photo: Getty Images

Japan continue to dominate the emerging rugby nations after securing a 37-29 victory over the USA in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru put in yet another impressive performance for the Brave Blossoms, kicking 17 points as Japan secured a bonus-point victory.