RWC quarter-finals, Japan v Ireland: Aussie James Moore powers Japan
Central to Japan’s giant-killing World Cup run has been the undeniable fact that they’re the most aggressive Brave Blossoms outfit ever — and there’s an Aussie behind the madness.
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The little-known lock at the core of Japan’s World Cup fairytale is a surf-loving Queenslander who traded suburban footy for the world stage.
Meet James Moore, an uncapped rookie just three months ago before his giddy ride with sport’s ultimate underdogs of 2019.
On Sunday, Moore will line-up against the might of South Africa’s pack in a sudden-death quarter-final in Tokyo that will have a Japanese TV audience of 60 million-plus transfixed.
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It’s still hard to comprehend he is the same Moore, who was a diligent forward for Easts in Queensland Premier Rugby in 2016 after playing Under-20s for Easts Tigers in rugby league.
His efficient, hard-hitting has been a feature for the Brave Blossoms since his 23 tackles were pivotal to the grand 19-12 upset of Ireland early in the tournament.
“Growing up playing league did help my tackling a lot and I’d say physically and mentally we probably are, defensively, the most aggressive Japan team ever,” Moore, 26, said.
“I absolutely love playing rugby over here and I don’t plan to go back any time soon.”
You’ll still find the son of Queensland Rugby League managing director Robert Moore catching waves at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island when he can.
The 1.95m Moore put his landscape architecture degree on hold in Brisbane to take his break in Japan as far as he could over the past three years.
Moore studies Japanese, broke into Super Rugby with the Sunwolves last year and forms a respected lock pairing with Kiwi-born golden oldie Luke Thompson, 38.
Toppling Scotland last Sunday to give Japan something to smile about after a deadly typhoon made it a surreal weekend.
“We knew there were a lot of Japanese families hurting out there so we just wanted to do it for them,” Moore said.
“It’s massive, it’s history, it’s the first time Japan has made the quarter-finals.”
Incredibly, Samu Kerevi (Australia), Sam Johnson (Scotland) and Moore have played for three different countries at this World Cup from Brisbane State High.
The Japanese have chopped down big reputations already this tournament but must find another level against a Springboks side that beat them 41-7 on the eve of the tournament.
Moore and Japanese heroes like No.8 Kazuki Himeno believe it can be done to keep this pulsating, feel-good story rolling.
Originally published as RWC quarter-finals, Japan v Ireland: Aussie James Moore powers Japan