Recently, Japan unveiled its 38M Yen (US $360,000) golden rugby ball in Tokyo as a tribute to the country’s shocking win against South Africa in last year’s World Cup. The golden ball is said to weigh around 2.8 kg and is currently displayed in the country’s oldest department store chain, Mitsukoshi.
The golden ball is the object of much interest, not only for its weight and determinedly brilliant appearance, but for its representation of Japan’s first world tournament win in 24 years. It is hoped that the golden ball’s display and eventual sale will inspire the Brave Blossoms further when Japan hosts the next World Cup in 2019.
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| Image Source: zimbio.com |
In Asia, Japan’s national rugby team have continually shocked the prevailing order in the sport. They are arguably the strongest Asian team today, and international players are impressed most by the size and speed of Japanese rugby players. There is usually a sense of superiority among opposing teams which the Japanese readily outsmart. The Japanese rugby team have participated in every World Cup event since 1987 and have performed well in all of the editions.
The Brave Blossoms’ 34-32 win over South Africa’s Springbooks was a remarkable upset in the latter’s home soil. Most bets were placed on the more well-known South African team. The Japanese win therefore went against all odds and expectations.
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| Image Source: telegraph.co.uk |
The golden rugby ball might augur and inspire not just singular victories but a continuous winning streak for the Japanese in future World Cup editions.
Brendan Triplett is a former infantry sergeant who loves rugby. Visit this Twitter account for the latest in the sport.
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