Where to watch the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo
Egg chasers: The Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off on September 9.Japan may have been crowned champion at the IRB Pacific Nations Cup this summer, but the Brave Blossoms (really -- that’s the team nickname) will be small fish in a big pond at the Rugby World Cup 2011, which runs from September 9 to October 23 in New Zealand.
Japan coach John Kirwan, a former All Blacks wing who was capped 63 times for New Zealand, leads the team into the competition hoping to at least guide Japan to its second-ever victory in World Cup play.
There’ll be extra motivation given the 2019 World Cup is slated to be held in Japan.
Long overdue
The Brave Blossoms’ only victory in the Rugby World Cup came way back in 1991 -- a 52-8 romp over Zimbabwe, but Kirwan’s squad snapped a 16-year losing run in the World Cup with a 12-12 draw against Canada in 2007.
The team will have a distinct international flair with 10 foreign-born players on the 30-man roster. Imports aside, captain Takashi Kikutani will be vital to the squad’s chances.
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Japan closed out its preparations with a 20-14 win over the United States but will dive into the deep end with an opening match against France on September 10.
Party time
That game will be aired live at a special viewing party at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium near Gaienmae Station from 3 p.m. -- following a college rugby match. For more information, full details are online.
As for the rest of the games, there are plenty of hot spots for rugby fans to to watch the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo, catch every scrum and perhaps even down a few pints too -- who knows?
Legends Sports Bar and Grill
Legends is the quintessential American sports bar. Various bits of local and international sports memorabilia dot the walls and the menu is ample.
The place isn’t huge, but it’s roomy and the outside seating is a dream given the right weather.
Of course, the main draws for our purposes are the seven plasma screens scattered around the bar which provide pretty good sight lines to the action no matter where you sit.
Rugby World Cup viewing schedule.
3-16-33, Roppongi, Minato-ku. Aoba Roppongi Bldg, 1/F, +81 (0) 3 3589 3304. Map.
