With just one day to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off and three days before Japan starts its campaign against Chile in Toulouse, Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport was full Wednesday night of Japanese rugby fans in addition to many others who have adopted the Brave Blossoms as their second team.
The brand of rugby Japan produced in 2015, when it beat South Africa, and 2019 when it downed Ireland and Scotland to reach the quarterfinals, has ensured it are no longer the easy win of earlier tournaments. And many, particularly those on the flight from Tokyo, are hoping this year will be no different.
"Who knows which way the rugby ball bounces," said New Zealander Mark McTamney, a long-time resident of Shizuoka Prefecture, when asked if Japan can get out of its group.