THE SUSHI TRAIN

Ticket warning

Tournament bosses have warned punters who are already in Japan, or preparing to fly there for the knockout phase, to not fall victim to ticket scams. Rugby World Cup officials said increased demand for game tickets came with “inevitable ticket scams, touts selling fake tickets and thirdparty websites selling tickets unofficially”.

Fond memories

All Black coach Steve Hansen says his players will leave Japan with cherished memories for a lifetime. That includes how many Japanese adopted some aspects of the New Zealand culture. “You can see how much the Japanese have gone into making sure this World Cup is a friendly one and a supportive one for all nations. Kashiwa was where we had our camp and the haka was wonderful. It is something the team holds close to its heart.”

Extra motivation

Japan will look to the legacy of one of the forefathers of rugby in the Rugby World Cup host nation ahead of tomorrow night’s quarter-final against the Springboks. The clash will be played on the third anniversary of the death of former national captain and coach Seiji Hirao; known as “Mr Rugby” in Japan. Fullback Ryohei Yamanaka said: “It’s the date he passed away, so there’ll be a game on an important day for me as well”.

Fast wheels

Springbok Willie Le Roux caused some laughter in a press conference this week when asked about the relative speeds of himself and fellow back three Cheslin Koble and Makazole Mapimpi. “We’ve definitely got a few Ferraris out there. I don’t think I’m one of them — I’m more of a bakkie [ute] person — a Toyota bakkie.”