Week 2
As we tick week 2 off in Japan, Gilbert take a quick look back at what has happened over the last 7 days of Rugby World Cup action.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Japan. No questions. A stunning performance by the RWC 2019 hosts over Ireland, ranked the number 1 team in World Rugby heading into Rugby World Cup 2019.
Who can forget the Miracle of Brighton at RWC 2015? Miracles aren’t supposed to repeat. Try and tell the Brave Blossoms that! Relentless in defence, determined in attack - a simply stunning team performance from Japan put them in pole position in Pool A, 2 wins from 2 matches with two key matches left against Samoa and Scotland, a potential decider in the battle for a quarter finals spot.
Undoubtedly everyone’s ‘second favourite’ team at RWC 2015, Japan have grabbed the hearts of the rugby world once again and who would deny them an historic spot in the knockout stages now.
HIGHLIGHTS: Japan stun Ireland in Shizuoka with breathtaking performance in front of home crowd #RWC2019 #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/iol6gEo95L
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 28, 2019
#BakSansBack
Japanese super fan ‘Bak-San’ continues his epic RWC 2019 journey – aiming to ‘wear’ the (painted) shirts of all 20 teams, he has impressively ticked off a high percentage already.
Not seen him yet? Dive on to social media and give #BakSansBack a look.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RWC 2019 MATCH BALL?
At Gilbert Rugby, we take immense pride in supplying every matchball for the 2019 tournament, something which we have been trusted with since Rugby World Cup 1995.
Impress your mates with some facts about the Rugby World Cup 2019 match ball.
SIRIUS - THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE MATCH BALL
Do Gilbert test Rugby World Cup 2019 match balls?
Find out here: Testing RWC 2019 matchballs
THE WEEK AHEAD
Week 3 is where we start confirming some Quarter Final places. The Good News: 10 matches coming your way! The Bad News: 2 days with no matches! Disaster! Focus on the positives – 2 days to get your work done.
Some key fixtures this week:
Saturday 5th October: England vs Argentina, Japan vs Samoa
Wednesday 9th October: Wales vs Fiji