#RWC19: The view from Japan: The Outsiders

Welcome to Part 2 of our look at the 20 teams that will feature at this year’s Rugby World Cup tournament. These nations all have something special about them. However, either luck or history has conspired with fate to consign them to being footnotes in the stories of other champions. These teams have the ability to dazzle and when that egg-shaped bag of air bounces their way, they can beat anyone. Sadly though, that does not happen enough for them to go all the way.

The first of these teams to feature will of course be the hosts on Friday afternoon. The Cherry Blossoms have gone from strength to strength in the last decade. Since 2007 they have been mentored by some of the game’s best –– Sir John Kirwan, then Eddie Jones and currently former All Black, Jamie Joseph. Japanese rugby has absorbed every piece of knowledge it could and is now ready for its greatest challenge. In a favourable pool they will very likely see wins against Russia and Samoa, but that’s improbable against world Number 1, Ireland. Their last game against Scotland in the Yokohama heat, however, will define their tournament.

The French are rugby’s great enigma. This is as great a cliché as there is in rugby. Capable of beautiful improvised running rugby they can also shatter like glass when enough pressure is applied. Forwards that look like immovable mountains in one half can defend like sieves the next. The three-time finalists will be in a difficult pool, needing to get past England and Argentina. France have lost their last two World Cup games against Los Pumas and were drubbed by England earlier this year, conceding five tries and only scoring one. As they say though, it depends which French team shows up.

One suspects Italy may have much the same tournament as they have been having since 1987. Consistently better than Tier 2 nations, but never good enough to get that one win over a Tier 1 nation that could get them to the quarterfinals. It was hoped that Italy’s inclusion in the expanded Six Nations would propel them to greater heights. This has not happened. Instead, Italy have remained the only team that has neither improved over time nor got any worse. They have been remarkably consistent. Sadly that means remarkably underwhelming.

The last of the Europeans in today’s focus is Scotland. Qualifying from the pool stage will be vital for Scottish rugby psyche. Many may say the last World Cup was their chance and that this team may not be as good. That last-minute penalty against Australia in the 2015 quarterfinal was shattering. If the Scots slip up against Japan in that final pool match, they will need more than The Flower of Scotland to pick them up. The combined oldest national rugby team with possibly the most moving anthem deserves better. They have all the raw materials to get to the quarterfinals, but will the industry of the home supporters prove indestructible?

Fiji are a nation that seem born to play rugby; giant athletes that bound across the field with a combination of destructive velocity and balletic grace. If rugby was only played on a beach before retiring to the Bure for a Tatavu, then Fiji would be undisputed world champions. Their care-free, throw caution to the wind approach is a joy to watch. Unfortunately this may also be their greatest weakness. Previous tournament winners have always had a steely determination when it mattered most. Twice quarterfinalists, these eternally gifted islanders can match any opponent for skill but fall a little short on execution.

The same could be said for Samoa. The Samoans though, double down on the destructive element. Any highlight reel of big tackles will see the Samoans feature regularly. One could say they almost relish leaving their opponents strewn across the pitch. Not out of any malice, just the sheer joy of being able to tackle. Samoa though have gone backwards in recent years. Qualifying from the pool stage three times in the 1990s, they would be fortunate to do so this time around with Ireland, Scotland and Japan in their way.

Los Pumas close out today’s preview. One progressive step after the other has put Argentina firmly on the rugby map. Their inclusion in Super Rugby and the expanded Rugby Championship has elevated them to one of the most exciting teams on the planet. This team saves their best for the biggest occasion. Just as Ireland found out four years ago when they were crushed 43–20 in the quarter final, Argentina can play with an intensity matched only by the greats. Their Southern Hemisphere foes may be accustomed to that intensity but one, two, maybe even three European teams could get a taste of true South American flavour.

Now on to the favourites, the nations who have the pedigree or have teased the pundits into thinking they are the real deal. We will be back tomorrow to weigh up the chances of the world’s rugby heavyweights.