Japanese bandwagon aims to roll over Scotland

Three days later and the shock waves from Japan’s win against South Africa continue to ripple far beyond the shores of the genteel and chic coastal town of Brighton which now finds itself enshrined in rugby folklore.

Phillipe Saint-Andre heard the news about ten minutes before his French side took to the Twickenham field for their opener against Italy, but decided against spreading the word.

It was hours later before his players knew, but few others have succeeded in stemming the story. World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper tweeted yesterday that one of the official Rugby World Cup stores in Central London had to be shut down such was the rush on merchandise from eager Japanese consumers.