Rugby excitement in Tokyo
TOKYO: The Rugby World Cup opened at Tokyo Stadium with children singing while a brief history of rugby union was projected behind them on to the slopes of a replica of Mt Fuji erected in the middle of the pitch.
Around its base, the groups of schoolchildren represented each of the competing teams, with Japan predictably garnering the biggest cheers.
Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino declared the tournament open, welcoming the tournament to Asia for the first time.
The tournament runs through to November 2 and began late last night with a pool A match between host Japan and Russia.
Fans were proudly supporting Japan, but would yell out ‘‘All Blacks!’’ whenever they recognised anyone from the crowd as being from New Zealand.
Meanwhile, New Zealand fans were enjoying the novelty of being able to drink alcohol on the streets.
It was the first thing many of them mentioned, as they held cans of beer or Chuhi in their hands.
John Puna and Brian Hore were enjoying a beer on the side of the street just outside the stadium.
Puna said he had been counting down to this moment for the past 12 months.
He wanted an All Blacks threepeat.
Both hoped Japan would make it through to at least the quarterfinals.
‘‘I’m over the moon — so happy to be here, lucky and privileged to be here,’’ Hore said.
‘‘It’s a winner place, Japan. And the beer is bubbly.’’
New Zealanders spoke glowingly about the Japanese hospitality and how helpful and friendly local people had been.
‘‘I’ve already had half a dozen highfives from Japanese supporters,’’ Robin Houghton — who wore a Brave Blossoms jersey — said.
However, from today it would be all about the Silver Fern and the black jersey.
He was in Japan thanks to a birthday present from his wife, Glenice.
‘‘It’s just starting to kick in. Now that we see all these colours around here, it really feels like it’s happening.’’ — RNZ