Wallabies make rare trip as Japan seek to state claim for seat at rugby’s top table
The Brave Blossoms have an opportunity to audition for a place in the Rugby Championship when they host Australia for just the second time on Saturday
Remarkably, the Wallabies’ 63-30 win in Yokohama in 2017 was the only time the Australian side has played the Brave Blossoms in a Test on Japanese soil.
Even though Japan have played Test rugby since 1932, the Wallabies have only played them on five occasions, which is surprising given the geographic proximity between the two countries.
The Wallabies won two Tests in Australia in 1975 and beat the Brave Blossoms twice in World Cup pool games in 1987 and 2007. But curiously, far-flung nations such as Wales (nine), Italy (eight), Ireland (seven), Scotland (seven) and Argentina (six) have played more games against Japan than Australia.
The Wallabies’ lack of engagement with Japan is perhaps explained by the fact Australia is a leading power in world rugby, while Japan is regarded as a minnow, excluded from major international competitions such as the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.
But if Australia, and the rest of the southern hemisphere rugby nations are to prosper in the long-term, Japan need to be brought into the Rugby Championship. Ever since their stunning 34-32 upset win against South Africa at the 2015 World Cup there has been talk of Japan joining the competition along with the Wallabies, All Blacks, Springboks and Argentina.
The commercial future for southern hemisphere rugby looks rather bleak, at least compared to the riches of Europe, but there is a potentially bright future for Asia-Pacific rugby.
CNN - Nov 23
He may have retired from professional baseball four years ago, but Ichiro Suzuki certainly hasn’t lost his appetite for the game.
Kyodo - Nov 21
Ozeki Kirishima picked up his eighth win on the 10th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, leaving him in a four-way tie for the lead Tuesday.
News On Japan - Nov 20
An accident involving four motorbikes while racing on the Suzuka Circuit in central Japan on Sunday has left one rider dead.
asiarugby.com - Nov 20
There was double delight for Japan as both the men’s and women’s team became the final regional qualifiers for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with victory in the Asia Rugby qualification tournament in Osaka.
FIA World Rally Championship - Nov 20
Toyota 1-2-3 victory at home! Watch full highlights and exclusive onboard footage
itrwrestling.com - Nov 18
Having accomplished everything there is to achieve in NJPW multiple times and being widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today, there would certainly be a lot of buzz generated if The Rainmaker joined the largest wrestling promotion in the world.
Red Bull Rally - Nov 18
Torrential rainfall, thick fog and roads covered with damp leaves were just some of the challenges faced by crews at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the season finale.
newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Defender of Agdam “Qarabag” and the Azerbaijani national football team Bahlul Mustafazadeh answered questions from an azerisport.com correspondent.
tennis.com - Nov 14
Naomi Osaka's latest Nike collection is paying tribute to her heritage and experiences. The former world No. 1's latest Nike collection is inspired by New York and Japan, two places near and dear to her heart.
Sumostew - Nov 12
There are a lot of new wrestlers in Grand Sumo Wrestling to get to know this year. This November Kyushu Basho 2023, there are 4 sumo wrestlers in Makuuchi (sumo top division) that are making their debut.
NHK - Nov 08
Japanese baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has officially become an unrestricted free agent and is capable of signing with any Major League team.
News On Japan - Nov 05
In the first matchup between two Kansai teams in 59 years, Hanshin Tigers beat Orix Buffaloes 7-1 in game 7 of the Japan Series, claiming their second championship since 1985 and the first in 38 years.
Kyodo - Nov 03
Shohei Ohtani was selected as the American League's Outstanding Player by his peers for the second time in this year's Players Choice Awards announced Thursday.
Ben Gravy - Nov 01
Right now we're in Japan at one of the best wave pools in the world.
Kyodo - Oct 31
Yuma Mune doubled in two runs and Yuma Tongu hit a solo home run as the Orix Buffaloes edged the Hanshin Tigers 5-4 in Tuesday's Game 3 to lead the best-of-seven Japan Series two games to one.
NHK - Oct 31
Teenage Japanese "Go" player Nakamura Sumire says she has decided to shift her base of professional activity to South Korea as she finds it necessary for her to study the game in a more competitive environment.