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RWC opening ceremony stuns fans around the world
Japan have stunned fans all over the world with a spectacular opening ceremony to the ninth Rugby World Cup.
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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:
https://twitter.com/PushinNovaYou/status/1174988938043281408?s=20
https://twitter.com/jasfuckingsingh/status/1174990064134348800?s=20
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Loved the opening ceremony. Fabulous blend of tradition and modern Japan. Great start to six weeks of RWC.
— Elizabeth Okada (@ElizabethOkada1) September 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/galumay/status/1175009760522854403?s=20
Richie McCaw saying absolutely everything about this tournament with one glance. Awesome!
— Kate ????? (@tatoemonkey) September 20, 2019
World Class! Well done Japan on the most beautiful opening ceremony. ??? #RugbyWorldCup2019 https://t.co/Rr7d74svfC
— Annie ? (@annieTG24) September 20, 2019
Probably one of the best opening sporting ceremonies I’ve seen to date ?? #RugbyWorldCup #RWCTokyo https://t.co/xkRGiG69wJ
— Ricky Machel (@rickymachel) September 20, 2019
The Japanese don’t play games when it comes to opening ceremonies? https://t.co/u9cbPeDIZ3
— Adam Theo??? (@AdamTheofilatos) September 20, 2019
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.
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Comments on RugbyPass
No Islam says it must rule where it stands Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
18 Go to commentsThis team does not beat the ABs sadly
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
3 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
55 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
11 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
54 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
11 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
54 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
54 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
55 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
54 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
54 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
18 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
18 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
54 Go to comments