A rugby trend: Japan upsetting the traditional powers
RIO DE JANEIRO - First it was a World Cup upset for Japan. Now it's the Olympics. For the second time in less than a year, Japan stunned a traditional rugby power at a global event - and it's destined to keep people interested.
Japanese players celebrating after their shock win over New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
RIO DE JANEIRO - First it was a World Cup upset for Japan. Now it's the Olympics.
For the second time in less than a year, Japan stunned a traditional rugby power at a global event - and it's destined to keep people interested.
Inspired by the win over South Africa in the 15-a-side game last September, which ranks as the biggest Rugby World Cup upset ever, the sevens team had a 14-12 win over New Zealand on the opening day of the men's competition at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
Making it more memorable, it was the first day in 92 years of men's rugby competition at the Summer Games.
"This is our chance to prove to the world that Japan can beat any team,'' said Lote Tuqiri, a Fiji-born flyer who proudly plays for Japan. "How Japan finished at the World Cup really lifted rugby in Japan. Numbers are coming in. Hopefully our win against New Zealand will boost it another level - in sevens it's anybody's game.''
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