So long then, and thank you, Japan. Bruises fade, bones heal, tears dry, and even the pain of this will give way, in time, to resounding pride at everything this team have achieved in these last few weeks, and the four consecutive victories that came before this last defeat. Because whichever of the four sides left in this tournament go on to win it, this will be remembered as Japan’s World Cup. Not just because of the job they have done of hosting it but for the way their team, representing what is, in the large part, still an amateur league, lit up the sport with their bravery, wit and creativity.
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Written by Andy Bull at Tokyo Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/oct/20/japan-never-say-die-spirit-nurturing-rugby-world-cup under the title “Japan’s never-say-die spirit needs nurturing after Rugby World Cup | Andy Bull”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
