Japan success set to rock world rugby order

Whether or not Japan, the Brave Blossoms, continue to defy the odds, in this Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final, the success of Jamie Joseph’s side, on home soil, should open doors at world rugby’s top table.

Japan were unbeaten in their Pool A campaign, including those famous victories over Ireland (then ranked second in the world), in Shizuoka on September 28, and Scotland, last Sunday in Yokohama.