ESPN asked me to keep an eye on Japan’s performances during their November 2017 tour. Here’s my article written shortly after the Brave Blossoms’ more-than deserved draw against France at the new U Arena.
In one of those notable twists of rugby fate, 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts Japan will kick off their tournament — against the as-yet unconfirmed Europe 1 qualifier — four years and one day after their famous 34-32 victory over South Africa in the 2015 competition…