Asian rugby makes good on Eastern promise<\/p>\n
Talek Harris, Agence France-Presse\/Hong Kong<\/p>\n
Asian teams have taken a string of high-profile scalps at the
\nWorld Cup Sevens tournament here, indicating they are closing the
\ngap on more established rugby nations.<\/p>\n
Japan, which is hoping to host the 2011 World Cup, set the
\nball rolling with a surprise victory over Canada. But South Korea
\nand Taiwan really turned heads with wins against powerful Tonga
\nand Six Nations country Italy respectively.<\/p>\n
Japan went on to down Portugal while only a late break-out
\nsaved Ireland's blushes against South Korea, who were camped on
\nthe Irish line throughout their group match.<\/p>\n
Japan coach Kazuhiko Honjo, now eyeing the second-tier plate
\ntrophy, said a good performance here will secure the 2011 World
\nCup and give Asian rugby a further boost.<\/p>\n
\"If we play well in this tournament then the World Cup will
\ncome to Japan,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Asian rugby is getting much stronger both in sevens and 15-a-
\nside, and we will only get stronger.\"<\/p>\n
Honjo said Japan had prepared well for the World Cup Sevens
\nand had a never-say-die attitude that was popular with the fans.<\/p>\n
\"We've got a size handicap but we never give up, particularly
\nin defense. That's why the crowd likes us so much -- it's the way
\nwe play.\"<\/p>\n
South Korea coach Sung Hae-kyung said development programs and
\nincreased investment in various countries were improving Asian
\nrugby.<\/p>\n
\"Generally in Asia the standard is getting better, especially
\nin Taiwan,\" he said. \"They're really investing a lot of money and
\neffort which is good to see.<\/p>\n
\"It's a credit to all the individual rugby unions in Asia
\nwhich are putting a lot of time and effort into their development
\nprograms. Here at the World Cup everyone can see that the gap is
\ngetting closer.\"<\/p>\n
Sung also supported Japan's bid for the 2011 World Cup, saying
\nit would raise rugby's profile in Asia and attract more
\ninvestment.<\/p>\n
During a visit to Japan in February, International Rugby Board
\nchairman Syd Millar praised the facilities there and said the
\nYokohama stadium was worthy of hosting a World Cup final.<\/p>",
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