The damage caused by Typhoon Hagibis in the Archipelago moderated the happiness of fans after the victory of the Brave Blossoms (28-21) Sunday against Scotland and a first historic qualification in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
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Japan woke up Monday, October 14 with mixed feelings. The extent of Hagibis typhoon damage in central and northeastern Archipelago, and its heavy toll of at least 37 dead, 17 missing and 189 wounded, tainted the joy of seeing the national team rugby qualified for the first time in its history – and the history of Asian rugby – for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Private television channels shared their programs between the two subjects. On the Japanese victory, 28-21, Sunday against the XV of Scotland, the commentators have mainly focused on the technical aspects.
TBS has, for example, dissected the quality of the Japanese defensive pressure, recalling that the Brave Blossoms concluded a flawless run in the pool phase with four wins in as many matches, which allowed them, according to the World Rugby ranking updated after the meeting, to steal the seventh place in the world to France.
While multiplying the anecdotes on the players, TV Asahi has discussed on the art of the pass after plating, the "offload" which allowed the test of the fast winger Kotaro Matsushima, nicknamed "the Ferrari of Japan" and that of the pillar Keita Inagaki, "the boy who does not laugh".
"There was everything from play, defense, kicking" Brave Blossoms fan
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hailed the victory of the Japanese XV. For him, the tenacity of the players who "Never gave up on victory", "Should give energy and courage to the victims of the typhoon".
The party had not really won the street, remaining confined to fan-zones or bars like the AK10 of Roppongi district in Tokyo. "Goal: World Champions", there was a group dressed in the inevitable "Sakura jersey", nickname of the red and white jersey of the Japanese team.
On the Brave Blossoms fan websites, the joy was also ecstatic, to the point that a contributor recalled, somewhat teasing, that he "Three more games to win to be world champions".
At the stadium, the public had celebrated success with the players. "Exceptional, historic"repeated a longtime supporter, a former player who was waiting for this moment "Since the first World Cup". "I'm so excited that I'm not going to sleep! " reacted a fan in tears. "Omedetô" ("Congratulations") and "Nippon, Japanese! "chanted supporters.
