In the last World Cup four years ago, the Scots sealed the World Cup over Japan in the group stage, this time the exact opposite. It was also Japan’s first win against Scotland and their first promotion to the top eight in the World Cup.
The hosts will now take on South Africa in the quarter-finals next weekend and can look forward to another “brigathon miracle”. In the last World Cup they sensationally defeated “Springbok”. Group runners-up Ireland, who also lost to Japan, will face defending champions New Zealand.
high tension from the beginning
After a minute’s silence for the dead and wounded by Typhoon “Hagibis”, all preliminary round games developed dramatically as expected in Yokohama, the 40th and final. In a period of an intense start with chances at both ends, Finn Russell gave Scotland the lead with his try. But then the hosts really got going: Kotaro Matsushima, Keita Inagaki and Kenki Fukuoka had most of the 72,000 fans cheering with a worthwhile effort.
Two minutes after the break, Fukuoka scored a bonus point with his next try and the Scots saw their quarter-final chances dwindle. But he did not give up and as a result came in his best scenes since the start of the game. Willem Nel brought his team back into the game, with Xander Fegerson making the next try for Scotland a little later. Japan’s 28:7 lead was reduced to 28:21 within minutes.
anxiety increases
Tensions rose on both sides in the last 15 minutes, and a “pack formation” which is rare in rugby led to a warning from New Zealand referee Ben O’Keefe. After that, the Japanese brought more peace to the game and tried to let the time run out.
The Scots, on the other hand, made a tough start but were repeatedly caught in the tight defense of the hosts. A spectacular game ended after more than 80 minutes, with both sides in tears.
Wales win in Group D
Wales had previously finished first in Group D with a 35–13 (7–6) win over Uruguay and thus a quarterfinal duel with France. Group runners-up Australia will face Group C winners England.
The Welsh had to work hard for success in Kumamoto, as “Lellos” fought against defeat for a long time. There was only one attempt by Nicky Smith before the break and the Six Nations team had a narrow lead.
defense bar broken
However, in the second half, the Welshman, who had only three days to recover after the match against Fiji, broke the opposition’s defense. Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Tomos Williams and Gareth Davis all made it clear with their efforts and bonus points. German Kessler, on the other hand, was happy with Uruguay’s third attempt at the World Cup against a top nation.
In Group C, Tonga won the Struggler Duel with USA 31:19 (7:12) and took their first win as a farewell in Japan. The United States, on the other hand, had to accept their tenth consecutive defeat in a World Cup game. The game between Namibia and Canada in Group B was canceled due to Typhoon Hagibis, as were the first two games.
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