Rugby: History-making Japan team no longer easy to beat english.kyodonews.net

The first Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Australia was an invitational affair and Japan were, as they have been ever since, Asia's lone representative.
The 1995 World Cup in South Africa marked Japan's darkest hour as they suffered three big losses culminating in the Bloemfontein Massacre.
The World Cup in Australia in 2003 also saw Japan without a point to their name.
But they became the first team to fail to advance to the quarterfinals at the World Cup despite winning three pool-stage matches.
Japan ended third in Pool B behind South Africa and Scotland.