Japan fans beaten but still proud

Reuters - Japan's passionate rugby fans left the Tokyo Stadium disappointed but still proud of their side after the 26-3 defeat by South Africa in the World Cup quarter final on Sunday (October 20). Sunday's match was Japan's first-ever World Cup knockout match and expectations of an upset were high following four wins from four in the pool stage, achieved with a brand of attacking, rapid rugby that electrified their fans. Over 50 million people watched their final pool match against Scotland and even more are expected to have tuned in on Sunday. But South Africa, who take on Wales in the semi-finals, were simply too experienced and powerful for the Brave Blossoms on Sunday, with their suffocating defence stifling Japan's free-flowing game. If Japanese rugby can build on the success of the Brave Blossoms at this tournament, then the future could be very bright for a nation that has now won seven of their last nine World Cup matches.