Japan aim to prove win over Springboks was no fluke

Japan will have only four days between their two matches. But asked if the Brave Blossoms are fitter than Scotland, he answered: “Definitely. Definitely.”

Just what is it with these names they give to Japanese teams...."Brave Blossoms"?

The name is weak but their play was good. Hope they can repeat and put Scotland to the sword. how about we run a JT competition to choose a more fitting name for the team?

I guess in Japanese the name is more catchy. what is it Yuukan hana or something?

We will see. The Springboks lost the game partly because they underestimated Japan - as everyone else did before the game. Scotland will field more A-team players. I predict an interesting game

. how about we run a JT competition to choose a more fitting name for the team?

Good idea. How about the ラッガーバッガーズ?

Think about it... ; )

How about the ラッガーバッガーズ?

Not bad! And it would be pretty easy to get sponsors!

Wonder if the Japanese team could come up with a Haka?

@Christopher

We will see. The Springboks lost the game partly because they underestimated Japan - as everyone else did before the game. Scotland will field more A-team players.

Really? Who was missing from the South African team? I read it was their most-experienced line-up in their history. Certainly the most-capped.

Boks may have been a bit complacent but the team they fielded was by no means their B team. and it wasn't just bad play by them but some really excellent stuff from Japan that lost them the game. Luca - good suggestion, let's see if any other Jt'ers can better it.

although if transcribed to romaji not sure Luca's suggestion would be that acceptable or original.

The Springboks lost the game partly because they underestimated Japan - as everyone else did before the game. Scotland will field more A-team players.

Totally incorrect. They fielded their top A team. Most capped lineup in their history. 880 caps

They banned bagpipes for "safety reasons"/ What on earth were they imagining might happen?

As an Englishman, I can see that there might be a chance of the bagpiper being deservedly choked to death by a fellow spectator, but nothing else safety-wise....

Great game against the Boks and now its Scotland. Go Japan Go !

@Wakarimasen

although if transcribed to romaji not sure Luca's suggestion would be that acceptable or original.

You have a problem with "Lager Burgers"? ; )

Rugby players are famous for their love of beer and red meat!

Much as I want the Blossoms to win, the hype on the telly is building to a level where I'm starting to feel uneasy... seen it too often with the footy world cup and the Olympics...

I wish Japan well - but Scotland are an attacking team like Japan. Unlike SA they won't attempt to bring the hammer to the contact area, which was part of where SA got it so wrong. The Japanese style (with all their Kiwis and Ono at 10 ( who is actually a Kiwi as well) has not actually hanged much under Jones - they are a bit more accurate and a bit fitter, but the fast-paced style has been present really since rugby went professional in Japan. And that style is perfect for Scotland. I can Scotland winning this game quite comfortably. Japan will go on to beat the USA and against Samoa it will depend on whether they pick their strongest players or not. A full strength Samoa will be too strong for Japan.

'Rugby players are famous for their love of beer and red meat!'

The 'Asahi-swilling Samurai' has a nice ring to it. The B-team could be the 'Happoshu headbangers'.

After screaming support for Japan at the weekend, I now have to switch allegiance and fire some gentle abuse at the Brave Blossoms. What kind of men use a pink flower as a symbol, eh? Come on the boys in skirts.

Who was missing from the South African team? I read it was their most-experienced line-up in their history.

I didn't say anyone was missing. Where did I say that? The tactics S.A used were for the Japan team that was seen in years past. They were taken by surprise, but you can be certain that other teams won't underestimate Japan from now on

What's the over/under on the number of times 'Scotland the Brave' will be played during the match? Not that there's anything wrong with the song.

@Christopher

It's no big deal, but "Scotland will field more A-team players." suggests that the Springboks weren't at full-strength. No? : )

And an "A-team" is second-best in the UK. The best players are the "first team", followed by the "A-team", then the " B-team.

"Scotland will field more A-team players" does imply that South Africa lost because they did not field a full A-team outfit.

And what's an A-team anyway? Is it another American crap?

As Luca stated in the UK that would be the first team!

First team players, whatever. Scotland will, and has, fielded a different team. Japan has shown they're improved opponents nonetheless

@Joe

I don't know. Japan played competently, but the Jocks were superb. They'll top the group if they carry on like this....