SEOUL -- Japan maintained its proud record of having appeared at every Rugby World Cup finals when it beat South Korea 55-17 at Tondaemun Stadium, Seoul on Sunday to ensure it finished top of the Asian qualifying group.

The victory means that Japan (which still has one game to play against Taiwan on July 21) will line up alongside France, Scotland, Fiji and a team from the repecharge tournament (most likely Uruguay) when the World Cup begins in Australia in October 2003.

"I am very happy that I will be able to play in the World Cup," said Japan captain Takuro Miuchi. "However, there is still much to do if we are to close the gap on the major sides."