Sunday May 27, 2012

Blossom backers

Picture of the Day ( 21 )

Picture expired.
AP

Supporters of Japan’s rugby team watch their Rugby World Cup game against Canada in Napier, New Zealand, on Tuesday. The game ended in a 23-23 draw.

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21 Comments

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  • -1

    smartacus

    Not a very enthusiastic lot. I wonder if somebody stood outside the stadium and paid a bunch of locals to wear the jerseys and caps.

  • -3

    some14some

    Vroom Day? Honda in morning and now humans in the afternoon !

  • 1

    smithinjapan

    Flag colours being the same you almost don't notice the little Canuck flag amidst all the 'blossom backers'.

  • 0

    smithinjapan

    some14some: Actually, the photos have been changed twice a day (some days, not all) for a little while now.

  • 3

    DentShop

    Aaaaaah! Japan denied at the death.

    Very entertaining game, Japanese showed great spirit and can hold their heads high.

  • 1

    TokyoGas

    These guys need a bolder name than "Blossom." If I were on an opposing team the last thing I would want to lose to is a team called Blossom. Aren't there some stronger images in Japan? There are bears in Japan, dragonflies, foxes, snakes and other animals. There should be a push for this.

  • 0

    BurakuminDes

    So - the Japanese players are Kiwis...and so are their supporters!

    Anyway, well played to both teams for an entertaining game. Japan on top at half time when I had to leave - was a bit surprised they did not go on with it. They can now enjoy sightseeing and partying in NZ!

  • 1

    BurakuminDes

    For the Canucks - Barring a massive Tonga/France upset, Canada have qualified for England RWC 2015. Well done lads.

  • 0

    ExportExpert

    Big support in NZ for the Japan Team, shame they couldn't carry on and put canada away but instead they let them canada in in the last 10 mins or so.

    Well done all the same though Japan showed alot of heart and they have the right spirit.

    Enjoy the scenery and the bars now boys.

  • 0

    smithinjapan

    ExportExpert: "Well done all the same though Japan showed alot of heart and they have the right spirit"

    They did indeed, especially for a team dead last in their group, and I do hope they enjoy themselves a bit now that the pain is over. As for Canada, while no great shakes themselves they need to start getting ready for 2015! Good job to the Canucks!!

  • 1

    gogogo

    There's wally!

  • 0

    nec123a

    well...just back from the game..awesome atmosphere and a really good tight game to keep the crowd on its toes. massive big ups to NZ...this has easily been the best World Cup to date and sets a new bar. In the end Japan's lack of nous at the breakdown costs them a deserved win. But fair play to Canada for scraping back from what seemed a certain loss to them.

    In order for Japan to repair their inability to compete at the breakdown the JFRU must get their referees to have a better understanding of this most important facet of the game... it will be Japan's undoing until they do.

    Plenty of Japanese out on the town tonight...pity some of us have to work.... :-(

  • 0

    smithinjapan

    "In order for Japan to repair their inability to compete at the breakdown the JFRU must get their referees to have a better understanding of this most important facet of the game... it will be Japan's undoing until they do."

    This is the first time Japan came out without a win in 20 years of rugby, so it's not a sudden 'second-string' thing (the excuse for the slaughter with NZ) or referees inability; it's clearly the team and/or the coach. The team just needs to improve, bottom line. Refs having better knowledge of the sport IS a good thing, though.

  • 3

    Carcharodon

    they are clearly listening tho the national anthems in this photo - hence the apparent lack of enthusiasm

  • 0

    calm down

    @smithinjapan 'this is the first time Japan came out without a win in 20 years ' what does 'came out ' mean?Sounds like your saying Japan has won at least 1 game in every game of the tournament for the past 20 years which cant be what you mean cause it's totally wrong,so...what are you saying?

  • -1

    tokyotom

    dont most of these people look like gaijin, i think they are canada supporters

  • 0

    malfupete

    who is James Arlidge?

  • -2

    ZENJI

    why so many negative comments. i live in christchurch new zealand. we fly the japanese flag at our house. we wear the japanese uniform to our place of work, because i am gaijin does not make me any less japanese

  • 0

    nec123a

    @smithinjapan... NO, sorry. Japan have only 1 win in RWC history (1991 against Zimbabwe). Just for the future mate. It is best to know something about what you are writing about before spouting off.... That will help you to not look completely hopeless.

    Crowd was great (from the perspective of someone there) but not the same level of enthusiasm shown by the French fans the week before (they were awesome). Plenty of support for both teams and as the game wore on everyone really got into it.

    It was a good game - but the skill level deteriorated as the game wore on. Those of you who read the Japanese press on rugby will know the comments there have been anti-Kirwan for some time - I'd be interested to know who people think could do any better... especially given the fragmented nature of the domestic competitions and the issues surrounding referees in Japan.

  • 0

    nec123a

    oh the picture.... The Japanese owner of printpac in HB bought a shed-load of tickets for Japan society people, his staff, local Japanese and other Japanese supporters. It was a great gesture.

  • 0

    darbysan

    great game good friendly crowd was praying for a japanese win but ended up with a draw well done the blossoms.

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