Japan has been a fan favorite at the last two Rugby World Cups for its underdog victories over top-tier teams. Its win over the Springboks in 2015 has passed into lore (and a movie) as the Miracle of Brighton and its victories over Scotland and Ireland in 2019 caused jubilation in a World Cup hosted by Japan. At the same time, they come into the tournament on a run of poor form, having won only one of four tests this season and only four of 18 tests since hosting the last World Cup.
National captain Atsushi Sakate believes the improved standard of the Japanese professional league will help the Brave Blossoms’ preparation for the Rugby World Cup in France this year. Japan’s buildup will be more limited than in 2019 when it hosted the World Cup and reached the quarterfinals for the first time after beating Ireland and…