Emotional scenes before and after Japan's win over Scotland
There were emotional scenes as Japan and Scotland faced off in the final group stage game of the Rugby World Cup in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis.
The typhoon is thought to be the biggest to hit Japan since 1958 and has left 19 people dead in the country, with rescue teams dispatched to reach people stranded in flooded areas.
Today's game between Scotland and hosts Japan was in major doubt but was given the green light this morning as the typhoon passed Yokohama.
Understandably, there was plenty of emotion inside Yokohama Stadium as one of the country's biggest sporting occasions clashed with the natural disaster.
Captain Michael Leitch and the team were greeted with roars and cheers from the home crowd as they returned to the changing rooms after their warm-up.
Crowd roars as captain Michael Leitch leads @JRFURugby with hands on shoulders into the changing room moments before kick-off #JPNvSCO #RWC2019
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
Find out where you can watch at https://t.co/Z3jFoaXDPD pic.twitter.com/lLEWdViyd6
As with today's other games, a minute's silence was observed ahead of kick-off.
A moment's silence is observed ahead of #JPNvSCO in solidarity of everyone affected by Typhoon Hagibis.
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
The typhoon was one of the largest and most powerful to hit Japan in recent years, causing significant damage, disruption and, sadly, loss of life. #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/VNZ0f8SD4F
Fans inside the stadium held back tears as the teams took to the pitch.
This is how much it means to these fans.#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/kTxWU1l77k
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
A rousing rendition of the Japanese national anthem followed:
A rousing rendition of the Japanese national anthem by the passionate crowd at #RWCYokohama
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
Passion levels 💯
Follow the game LIVE: https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sf #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/ozmvUj7Jm8
The Scots responded in kind with Flower of Scotland:
The Flower of Scotland rings out around #RWCYokohama
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
This could be a classic evening of rugby 💪
Follow the game LIVE: https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sf #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/86xLHZnyXU
The hosts have been consistently praised for their hospitality throughout the tournament to date, but their strength in the face of adversity as shown today is even more impressive.
Fans and players alike rejoiced at the final whistle:
Incredible scenes as @JRFURugby players celebrate reaching the Rugby World Cup Quarter-finals for the first time in history #JPNvSCO #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/qOURyPGJBV
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
As we've seen throughout the tournament, there was plenty of respect between the two sides after the game.
This is what it's all about.
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
Two phenomenal teams showing the upmost respect after an incredible 80 minutes of rugby #JPNvSCO #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/Pup01BlgWe
Japan captain Michael Leitch dedicated the win to those suffering after Typhoon Hagibis.
Hear from @JRFURugby's captain Michael Leitch in an emotional, proud and upbeat interview 👏
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
🗣"Our heart goes out to all the people suffering at the moment...Today was about emotion and physicality." #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/2rFJtUMLao
And as has become customary, the Japan players signed off with a bow to the crowd.
Japan players thank fans with bow after beating Scotland to reach their first Rugby World Cup Quarter-final #RWC2019 #JPNvSCO pic.twitter.com/7jTpJai9Mh
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019
