Japan bowed out of the Rugby World Cup with another convincing victory as they saw off USA 28-18 at the Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Brave Blossoms have won over plenty of supporters with an attacking brand of rugby, with their triumph against South Africa on the opening weekend of the tournament providing arguably the competition's greatest ever shock.
Despite picking up three wins from their four games, and racking up a new personal best points tally in the process, the 2019 tournament hosts will return home at the first hurdle.
After their final outing in Gloucester, Sports Mole spoke to upbeat assistant coach Steve Borthwick to gather his thoughts.
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A third win of the competition for you but it is pretty bittersweet. What is the overriding mood like in the dressing room?
"We are very proud of our efforts at this World Cup, but obviously disappointed that we can't progress beyond the pool stages after winning three games. But I'm certainly very proud of what the players have done."
The opening-game victory over South Africa in particular caught the eye of rugby fans across the globe, so can you return back to the Far East comfortable in the knowledge that you have won plenty of extra support?
"I think so; a lot of people have certainly taken us to their hearts. You hear about all the shirts selling and you see the number of supporters here today, it's clear that everyone really enjoys supporting this Japan team. One of our goals - on top of qualifying for the quarter-finals - was to be the team of the tournament."
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Four years to go until Japan host the next World Cup, of course, so can we assume preparations have already begun?
"To be honest I've just been focused on trying to get a win tonight, but I'm sure that there are other people who are already focused on that. We set out to create a new history for Japan rugby and create a team that Japan can be proud of, and I think that all the people and supporters of Japan really should certainly be proud."
What needs to be done for this Japan side to make it into the knockout stages in 2019?
"This side has taken massive strides under Eddie [Jones], so we must not look at that and review it. One thing that Japan always have a challenge with is in terms of size, so we must focus on the strength and conditioning of this side to ensure that we are in the best physical shape possible."
Borthwick played in three World Cup group games for England as a player, during an international career that lasted for nine years.
Daniel Lewis
