Previewing Japan’s Dark Horse Run in Rugby World Cup 2023
With Rugby World Cup 2023 underway, the anticipation surrounding each participating team reaches a fever pitch. One team that never fails to bring an element of surprise to the table is Japan. Positioned in Pool D, along with rugby heavyweights like England and Argentina, as well as formidable teams like Samoa, and debutants Chile, Japan’s journey in this edition of the World Cup promises to be anything but a walk in the park.
The Crucial Game: Japan vs England
The proverbial litmus test for Japan will occur in the second game of their campaign, as they square off against England on September 17. It’s a matchup steeped in both some history but plenty of expectation, not to mention its high-stakes nature. A positive result against a team like England could skyrocket Japan’s chances of advancing into the knockout rounds, creating a psychological edge that could be invaluable in the later stages of the competition.
Unsettling Warm-Ups: A Blip or a Trend?
Heading into the World Cup, Japan’s warm-up matches have cast a shadow of doubt over their title-winning ambitions. Suffering defeats against Italy, Fiji, and Samoa — a team they’ll be facing again in Pool D — Japan has found it difficult to gain momentum. Their solitary triumph was a narrow win over Tonga, hardly a confidence-boosting performance.
Yet, as any seasoned rugby aficionado would tell you, warm-up games are a tricky indicator of a team’s true mettle. The real theatre of action unfolds only when the World Cup whistle blows.
A History of Upsets
It’s worth remembering that Japan has a legacy of defying expectations in Rugby World Cup history. Who could forget their electrifying performance in 2015, stunning the world by defeating South Africa in what many consider the greatest upset in rugby history? Or their stellar run in the 2019 edition, where they not only advanced out of their pool by beating both Scotland and Ireland earning the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.
The Jamie Joseph Factor
A crucial aspect of Japan’s 2023 World Cup bid is their leadership, spearheaded by coach Jamie Joseph. A man who understands what it takes to win at the highest level, Joseph led the Highlanders to a Super Rugby title in 2015 and has been at the helm of the Japanese side through some of its most prosperous moments.
Under his guidance, Japan is more than capable of overcoming their Pool D rivals to secure a spot in the quarterfinals for the second successive Rugby World Cup.
The Road Ahead
To secure a spot in the knockout phase, Japan must perform exceptionally well in their pool matches. Even a single slip-up could be catastrophic, given the level of competition. However, Japan has demonstrated time and time again that they can hold their own against the best, and with Joseph’s tactical acumen, they should never be counted out.
Interestingly, the Rugby World Cup betting odds might not favour Japan heavily, especially given their recent form and the strength of other teams in Pool D. But as history has shown, odds are just numbers, and Japan has a knack for defying them.
That said, they’ll need to find a way to shore up their weaknesses exposed in the warm-up matches. While upsets are part and parcel of Japan’s rugby DNA, relying solely on shock value would be a perilous strategy. The team will need to bring a consistent level of high performance, particularly against formidable opponents like England and Argentina. A repeat of their recent defeat to Samoa is not an option if they hope to progress.
Conclusion
As Japan gears up for what promises to be an enthralling campaign in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the spotlight shines brightly on their potential to stir the pot in Pool D.
Their clash with England will be a tone-setter, one that could either amplify their aspirations or ring the alarm bells. Either way, given their history and the experience of their coaching staff, writing Japan off would be a mistake that no team should make.
This is an invited post not written by Rugby Asia 247.