If Friday's exhibition match between the Springboks and Japan are anything to judge by, we are in for one of the best Rugby World Cups ever.
And that’s all down to the hosts.
With great humility they welcomed the Springboks to the Kumagaya Stadium.
First they handed out pamphlets with the words to the South African national anthem on them for the fans to show respect to their visitors.
It was also surprising to see some Japanese fans in Springbok jerseys.
Then after the Springboks scored their tries, they even played a bit of Snotkop to help their visitors feel at home.
It wasn’t all.
HEY AGAIN: Lappies Labuschagne. Photo: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
Every time Handre Pollard lined up for a shot at goal, they were silent. No boos.
Such a respectful country to those they host, Japan serves as a great example to all the other countries watching the World Cup.
Most importantly, our own country. That’s how you treat your neighbour.
Anyway, whoever organised this match, it was a stroke of genius.
GETTING A LITTLE TASTE: South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe, left. Photo: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
Unfortunately for those fans, it’s not expected that the host nation will be there come the final stages of the tournament.
South Africa, on the other hand, should be.
A big concern at these tournaments usually is a lack of interest once the host nation is knocked out.
But you get the sense that with the number of South Africans playing their trade in the Land of the Rising Sun and with Japan having announced themselves on the big stage with a win over SA at the last World Cup, that there is a strong rugby connection between the two lands.
And this will serve the Boks well as they gear up to face New Zealand in their tournament opener.
LOCAL IS LEKKER: Japanese supporters in Green and Gold. Photo: Supplied.
Yes, there is no doubt that there will be local All Blacks fans too, especially with the Japan team being led by NZ-born flanker in Michael Leitch and coached by ex-All Black Jamie Joseph.
But I get the sense that the Bok support will just be a little louder.
As for the match itself, it panned out exactly as I expected it to.
SA were never going to reveal their full hand ahead of the crunch opener.
TOUCHDOWN: Makazole Mapimpi. Photo: Photo: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
Instead, this match was used to sort out some final issues.
Captain Siya Kolisi and his men needed a run-out in Japan, they wanted to experience the conditions before the tournament.
In terms of that, they ticked all the boxes.
PASSIONATE: Japan’s Asaeli Ai Valu. Photo: Photo: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
They scored from set pieces, their kicking game worked well and when they had to show some character on defence, they did.
On top of that, they only have had one injury concern, with Trevor Nyakane leaving the field with an ankle injury.
All-in-all, what a start to the weekend it was.