SCRUM’S THE WORD
WORLD CUP DIARY
NOT only is Tokyo playing host to four of the biggest rugby teams in the world, but also dignitaries from across the globe, as a new emperor is to be enthroned here. Political leaders and royal families will descend on Japan today to watch Emperor Naruhito (below) take over from his father Akihito, who became the first to abdicate for more than 200 years aged 85. The country will observe a national holiday, with the main ceremony at the Imperial Palace. It could be a tricky situation for Wales, as prime minister Shinzo Abe is to host a formal dinner in their hotel. Warren Gatland was late to his press conference yesterday because of the traffic in Tokyo. He said: ‘We had to come in a separate entrance. We don’t know how our bus is going to get in and out in the next couple of days.’ At least they might meet the Prince of Wales, who will be at the event.
WHAT a shame Japan’s final press conference on Sunday was so secretive. The JRFU did not widely publicise an event with the squad who have lit up the tournament, and because it was not an official World Cup media session not even the tournament’s news service journalists knew to attend. It was a PR own-goal that the world’s media could not celebrate and report on the Brave Blossoms’ tournament for the final time.
WALES were welcomed back to their hotel near Beppu after their last-gasp win over France to a rapturous reception. Hordes of fans were also in the hotel, and lined up to clap the players in — singing the national anthem in perfect drunken harmony, with Josh Navidi’s barber brother leading the celebrations.
ALL BLACKS lock Brodie Retallick got shirty yesterday when asked if he has learned the names of England’s players since his gaffe in 2014. Retallick was accused of ignorance when, five years ago, he was unable to name any of England’s team during their summer tour. Retallick even referred to his opposite man Courtney Lawes as ‘Michael Lawes’. Asked if that was still the case, Retallick replied: ‘Is that supposed to be humorous? I made a mistake, called them the wrong name, the name of a New Zealand politician. Good on you.’