Excitement is building in Japan ahead of the start
of the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks are preparing to take on their old foes
from South Africa.
There at ground zero, in Tokyo, Japan
is our intrepid reporter Irena Smith.
Irena, tell us, you're there in Tokyo.
What's the atmosphere like?
No need to be jealous!
I'm here to cover the Rugby World Cup here in Tokyo.
Japan has well and truly began preparations
for hosting this competition.
Tokyo is a global megacity, full of people, vehicles
and activity with everything happening at once.
There is a special atmosphere here
and you can feel that atmosphere building
for the upcoming tournament.
Let's just say that since the AllBlacks have arrived,
their popularity here in Japan has become quite apparent
even though rugby is not the major sport here.
Tokyo as a city is still preparing and getting everything ready
for the opening of the Rugby World Cup this Friday.
You're quite right
about all of us back home here being jealous
because you get to be there for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The All Blacks have spent a week getting ready for their match
against the Springboks
and the Springboks appear to be a big threat.
How are the All Blacks doing so far in your view?
Let's just when they first got here,
the All Blacks have felt very welcome.
They are very popular here and they're also well-known.
Outside the hotel where they're staying at
there are people waiting to get autographs from them.
Last night a formal welcome ceremony was held for them
to welcome them to Japan and Tokyo.
where Japanese custom and hospitality were put on display.
Hospitality is very important to them.
Their customs and attitudes are similar to ours,
such as being great hosts to any visitors
no matter who they are or where they are from.
But there is no doubt
that the All Blacks are being well looked after
because they are seen as stars
and they are the current world champions.
But as we know, it's going to take a lot to hold on to that title.
Too right.
How are you and the players coping with the climate?
Reports have come in advising it is quite hot over there.
Is that correct?
Yes, the weather is quite a bit of a challenge in Tokyo
at this time of the year.
While we're at the tail end of summer
you can still feel the heat.
It was raining today but it was still quite warm.
This weather will be a factor impacting on all of the teams.
For the All Blacks, however, it's not much of an issue for them.
They are still the current champions whether it's sunshine or rain.
They are really focused on what's coming up ahead for them.
All of the formal welcoming ceremonies and celebrations
have concluded.
They're now looking at making the final touches
as well as upcoming training plans.
That's the main focus of the coaching staff currently.
That was the All Blacks assistant coach
addressing the media.
Moments ago, literally within the hour,
the South African Springboks fronted the media.
What do you think they'll bring to the All Blacks on Saturday night?
Every time the two teams clash,
you get to experience a very intense
competitive atmosphere.
It's an atmosphere that the Springboks and All Blacks
have created for a very long time.
If we go back to the last time the two teams met,
the score in Wellington was a draw.
The Springboks know that this team can be defeated,
and that's something they'll have in mind
as they head into the match, namely,
they've already defeated the team before.
They'll be thinking about that
as well as keeping a close eye on the current condition
of the All Blacks.
Here's what one of the Springboks coaches had to say this afternoon.
So Scotty,
the stage has been set for this major international
sporting event.
Yes, our team has a big clash coming up.
We all know that this will be the start of the tournament,
and it will be our first game.
So they need to win and it needs to be convincing.
We'll find out soon enough what will happen.
The match is this Saturday.
Tomorrow, the team will go out for their first training session
in Tokyo.
I'll be there, for Te Karere,
following them and the teams in the tournament.
Fantastic.
That's Irena Smith in Tokyo, Japan
for the Rugby World Cup.
Thank you for the update, Irena Smith.
We'll speak again tomorrow.