WIN DEDICATED TO TYPHOON VICTIMS
JAPAN’S new rugby heroes reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time then dedicated their success to the victims of Typhoon Hagibis. In contrast to the scenes of natural destruction across the country, Jamie Joseph’s team triggered joyous celebrations at the stadium to lift the mood of the nation. ‘It’s important to acknowledge what went on with the typhoon,’ said Joseph, before he took questions last night. ‘We woke up this morning and nine people had been killed and 12 missing. ‘We talked about that as a team. Sometimes those sorts of things can be overwhelming, but I think it came out in the mix today. While we are celebrating, a lot of people are suffering.’ Skipper Michael Leitch has become Japan’s face of the World Cup — with children at the ground using facepaint to copy his trademark facial hair. He revealed the players discussed the tragedy yesterday morning at their hotel, which swayed in the storm, before they cut Scotland apart to secure the four-try bonus point inside just 43 minutes. ‘Before the match started, at the team hotel, the players already knew how this game was more than just us,’ said Leitch. ‘A lot of people out there suffered in the typhoon. For this game to happen, there were guys up late last night with sponges at the ground. We are grateful for the opportunity to inspire Japan.’ Leitch’s men now face a mouth-watering quarter-final with South Africa on Sunday where they hope to repeat their ‘Miracle of Brighton’ from the 2015 tournament. Then coached by Eddie Jones, Japan went into the game as heavy outsiders but famously won 34-32. This year they set a target of reaching the last eight but, now that has been achieved, they aim to knock out the Springboks. ‘It’s great for Japanese rugby,’ said Leitch. ‘Now we’ve qualified for the quarter-finals, we’re shifting the goal posts. We are not coming out next week to have a good game and lose. We’re coming out to win.’