IRELAND V NEW ZEALAND QF MATCH PREVIEW

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WALES V FRANCE QF MATCH PREVIEW

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JAPAN V SOUTH AFRICA QF MATCH PREVIEW

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RWC 2019 QUARTER FINAL PREDICTIONS

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ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA QF MATCH PREVIEW

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JAPAN: A COACHING MASTERCLASS

Anyone who has coached rugby at any level was simply in awe of the Japanese team yesterday against the Scots. Their ability to create space and get the ball at lightning speed to that space was awesome. Their footwork before contact, resulting in arm not shoulder tackles, allowing them to get over the gainline was awesome. Their running lines at space and support on the shoulder to receive offloads was awesome.

Japanese attacking space not the face

Their ability to frequently create the tightest of overlaps out wide and exploit them was awesome. The speed of ball and constant retention to build pressure was awesome. Their tackling was awesome, especially in the second half, offensive, with shoulders not arms, and sometimes in pairs, legally, one resulting in a try from a rip. Their hand catch, accuracy and fitness in the humid conditions was awesome. The subs off the bench were awesome, etc, etc

They look well coached, but not overcoached and are certainly capable of playing what's in front of them, and in Fukoka, they had the man of the match, and probably one of the players of the tournament so far, even though he has only played a couple of games. Fukoka is certainly the quickest player, along with Kolbe of SA, and his pace contributed to three of the tries yesterday. And apparently he is set to retire after the RWC to become a doctor!

Fukoka - set to retire to become a doctor

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Well done to World Rugby and the people of Japan who helped make the Scotland game happen today - it was a very special occasion, both for Japan, who were stunning in attack and defence, and also, for the game itself. Hopefully some of the 60m who watched it will get involved in the sport. Credit to Scotland for scoring three tries and for contributing to a marvellous contest, but not even a team of superheroes would have denied the hosts today. South Africa await in the QF, quite a prospect.