- Title: Japan fans beaten but still proud
- Date: 20th October 2019
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (OCTOBER 20, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF FANS LEAVING STADIUM AFTER MATCH (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE RUGBY FAN, HIDEAKI TAKAHASHI(R), SAYING: "They have played well. We played equally with the world. It was great." (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE RUGBY FAN, KEI SHIMADA, SAYING: "Not good. South Africa was too good. Their defence was very good, but the Japanese was not. Their attacking tactics were not good." SHIMADA WAVING BRAVE BLOSSOMS FLAG / CHEERING WITH ANOTHER FAN (SOUNDBITE) (English) SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY FAN, HARRY, SAYING: "(Japanese were) good, but we are in the semis. We are going to win. We are going to win." (SOUNDBITE) (English) SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY FAN, CHRIS MASSY, SAYING: "It was really good. It was awesome. It was good. Japan played really well. We love them. They are nice, so good, so good to play against, but you know, we had to win." VARIOUS OF FANS LEAVING THE STADIUM MAN POSING FOR PICTURES WITH HIS CHILDREN WOMAN WALKING PAST WITH BABY ON HER SHOULDERS
- Embargoed: 3rd November 2019 15:43
- Keywords:
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Rugby Union,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001B1WGHFJ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: 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. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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