1
RWC opening ceremony stuns fans around the world
By Josh Raisey
Japan have stunned fans all over the world with a spectacular opening ceremony to the ninth Rugby World Cup.
It is the first time the tournament has been held in Asia and fans at the stadium in Tokyo and around the world were treated to a visual display on the pitch which showcased Japan’s history, culture, art and geography, including a model of Mount Fuji that emerged from the middle of the field.
The display was mesmerising throughout and many fans have commented on Twitter how beautiful the light display was.
The ceremony was only improved when All Blacks legend Richie McCaw - the last man to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2015 - appeared to present the trophy to everyone ahead of the start of the 2019 finals.
The 148-cap flanker was warmly welcomed at Tokyo Stadium as he bid farewell to the coveted prize that he won twice in his career.
(Continue reading below...)
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, particularly as each competing nation was announced. New Zealand, Ireland and Wales receiving a very warm welcome, as well as the hosts. This was the reaction to the ceremony:
Japan, who went on to defeat Russia 30-10, were expected to put on quite a show in the opening ceremony - and they certainly did not disappoint.
With Tokyo hosting the summer Olympics next year, this may be a glimpse of what the world can expect to see in 2020.
WATCH: The RugbyPass Lego World Cup
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Saracens statement: The outcome of Billy Vunipola investigation
3
Ox Nche: 'The best feeling is squeezing a prop so hard he passes out'
4
RFU statement: Maro Itoje cited for yellow-carded tackle
5
Latest Comments
Brett, from my distant perspective, I hope you get to keep the Rebels. Any ideas of teams from Japan or Argentina are just crazy. Won’t happen. If you look at logistics, it is much easier to get to LA from Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney than to Buenos Aires. All with direct non-stop daily flights. You may even get some “gringos” to watch the games, with some younger players compared to Giteau and Nonu who still “play” in the area. I think it is virtually impossible to get a competitive Argie team for SR. All Pumas are in Europe, almost all second tier players are also in Europe. Fringe players are in South American pro rugby tournament (and many still in the MLR!) but these players who might be most interested in joining a new Jaguares do not have the skills to compete. As I have been saying since the Jaguares joined, they should have had TWO teams to make logistics for visiting teams better and Argie player development improved as well. Jaguares/Pumas was not ideal. But this is where Pichot and his cronies did not think long enough. Further the country with he new president “No hay Plata” Milei is in a very difficult situation. Galperin, the richest man in Argentina owns the Miami franchise of MLR. I don’t think you can get him to invest in Argentina. Actually, he played rugby himself. He was a fly half. He is worth around $6 billion!
Go to commentsWell done Baby Boks we will take the Draw. No 9 senseless long passes in those conditions. let’s move on and hope for some good weather
Go to comments