All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was so impressed by Japan's magnificent surge into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup that he is glad his champions have avoided the hosts in the last eight.
New Zealand's players, who were glued to the Japan-Scotland pool decider in their hotel team room, offered glowing tributes to a side that Hansen believes can no longer be considered a Tier 2 rugby nation.
The two teams are not able to meet until the final, an outcome which would be the dream scenario for the host nation, where the All Blacks are so revered.
In the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, Australia will face England at 7.15 pm this Saturday, the All Blacks take on Ireland at 10.15 pm this Saturday while France will play Wales at 7.15 pm this Sunday.
Japan will face South Africa in the last quarterfinal at 10.15 pm this Sunday.
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