LONDON: Japan's stunning progress at the World Cup has been recognised with their inclusion as one of four nominees for World Rugby's team of the year award.
The Cherry Blossoms caused the biggest upset in World Cup history when they beat two-time champions South Africa 34-32 on the opening weekend.
They went on to become the first team to win three pool matches yet fail to reach the knockout phase.
Joining the Japanese as nominees for team of the year are World Cup finalists Australia and New Zealand, the defending champions, as well as losing semi-finalists Argentina.
The men in charge of all these four sides -- Eddie Jones (Japan), Michael Cheika (Australia), Steve Hansen (New Zealand) and Daniel Hourcade (Argentina) -- comprise the nominees for the 2015 World Rugby coach of the year award.
The winners will be announced at an awards dinner in London on Sunday, a day after Australia and New Zealand contest the World Cup final at Twickenham.
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