Rugby: Japan win based on collective self-belief

FUKUROI, Japan - Fireworks lit up the night sky in Shizuoka Prefecture on Saturday night following Japan's greatest ever performance on the rugby field.Inspired by man-of-the-match Shota Horie, the Brave Blossoms' 19-12 win surpassed the Brighton Miracle for the simple reason that Japan came into the Rugby World Cup with a target on their back.Not only are they the hosts but the win over South Africa in 2015 meant they are no longer a team that is underestimated by the big boys of world rugby.A nervous, error-ridden start against Russia did not exactly inspire confidence, however, ahead of …READ FULL ARTICLE