Japan

Canada help with typhoon clean up

World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee cancelled the final Pool B match on safety grounds after one of the most powerful storms for decades swept through the country.

Although Canada were unable to end the tournament with a first victory at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, they rolled their sleeves up for physical endeavours off the field.

Players headed out to assist with the clean-up operation in a city that was battered by torrential rain and fierce winds over the weekend.

Japan deploys military rescuers as deadly storm hits

Typhoon Hagibis made landfall south of Tokyo on Saturday, moving north and bringing severe flooding.

Thirteen people are missing from the storm, public broadcaster NHK said.

In central Nagano prefecture, water surrounded Japan's famous bullet trains while helicopters plucked stranded residents from rooftops.

A total of 27,000 military troops and other rescue crews have been deployed in relief operations, the government said.

In Kawagoe city, north of Tokyo, emergency crews used boats to help residents trapped in a nursing home.

One killed in Japan as typhoon approaches

A man in his 40s was killed in an overturned car early on Saturday (local time) in Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, where high winds were reported, according to public broadcaster NHK. Four people were injured, also in Chiba, as winds blew roofs off several houses.

Super Typhoon leaves CNMI unscathed, heads for Japan

Hagibis intensified unusually fast, going from tropical storm to super typhoon in just 18 hours.

However, no serious damage was reported in the Northern Marianas, with the storm leaving the territory last night.

Government offices and some schools reopened today, RNZ Pacific's correspondent in Saipan Mark Rabago said.

"Thankfully, the CNMI was left relatively unscathed by that Super Typhoon. Thank God that except for some banana trees and small trees, we didn't get much damage."

World Cup highlights strong bond between Tonga and Japan

The day after their 23-21 loss to France, the Tongan players hit the swimming pool to recover from a match that saw scores of Japanese spectators at Kumamoto Stadium cheering on a dramatic late comeback attempt by the Pacific islanders.

While Alatini attributed some of the crowd support to solidarity among Tier 2 nations, he said it also spoke to a bond built over many years between the two countries' rugby communities.

Rugby hosts Japan stun Ireland 19-12 in massive World Cup upset

The Brave Blossoms came from behind at Shizuoka Stadium with Kenki Fukuoka's second-half try and Yu Tamura's boot beating a side recently ranked number one in the world in a shock to match their victory over twice world champions South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.

While they stunned world rugby then, to win this time in front of an uproarious home crowd with so much focus on Asia's first World Cup was arguably more significant.

Rugby World Cup 2019: Japan v Russia

The Brave Blossoms caused an almighty stir at the tournament four years ago by defeating giants South Africa 34-32 in one of the biggest shocks in the sport's history.

Agonisingly for the team, led by now England coach Eddie Jones, that effort in Brighton was not quite enough as they became the first team to be eliminated from the pool stage having won three matches.

It was Japan's best performance at a World Cup to date, but Joseph wants his side to dream big.

Japan capable of shocking Ireland, warns O'Driscoll

Tournament hosts in 2019, Japan provided one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history four years ago with a stunning last-gasp 34-32 defeat of the Springboks in their opening fixture.

The Brave Blossoms are in Ireland's pool this time and former star O'Driscoll is wary of another surprise result when they meet on September 28.

He believes the memory of that South Africa win and the backing of the home support could make Japan a dangerous opponent.

Seven Tongan players ready to represent Japan in RWC 2019

The hosts have named Asaeli Valu,  Uve Helu, Amanaki Lelei Mafi,  William Tupou,  Ataata Moeakiola, Lemeki Romano and Nakajima Isileli.

Mafi received minor injuries in their warm up match against South Africa but was given the green light for the RWC.

The powerful No.8 and and flying wing Kenki Fukuoka were both forced from the field, leaving head coach Joseph with some headaches ahead of his side's Pool A opener against Russia in Tokyo on Sept. 20.

Kiwi coaches seeking their fortunes abroad

Even Sir Graham and Hansen themselves were forced to take a pathway through Wales en route to the top NZ role.

If you're in doubt about which teams to support at the Rugby World Cup when New Zealand aren't playing, this list of Kiwi-coached sides may swing your allegiance.

Joe Schmidt (Ireland)

International teams coached: Ireland (2013-present)

International record: 50-18-1 (72.5 percent)

Tournament titles: Three (Six Nations 2014, 2015, 2018)