Japan end as unlucky losers ….

Japan ended their stunning World Cup campaign on Sunday by beating the United States 28-18 to become the first nation to win three group games but fail to reach the quarter finals.

The Brave Blossoms have already caused the biggest sensation in World Cup history by beating South Africa 34-32 in their opening Pool B game.

But the simple victory over the American gave a fitting sendoff to coach Eddie Jones, who now leaves the post having said Japan would be the “team of the tournament” if they got three wins. The winning points came from Kotaro Matsushima, Yoshikazu Fujita and Amanaki Mafi tries, and the reliable kicking of full back Ayumu Goromaru, who took his Test points haul beyond 700.

The 2019 World Cup is the first time the tournament will be hosted by an emerging rugby nation, meaning the Brave Blossoms were under pressure to show they merit the award. “The guys have all played above themselves, they have worked hard, they played with a real spirit, they played how rugby should be played,” said Jones.

The Australian said he would definitely be heading for the Stormers in South Africa.

“I have done my job with Japan. When I took over Japan I wanted to bring pride back in the national team and I think we have done that so it is someone else’s turn to take it over.”

AFP