Lack of shock value a measure of how far Japan have come - Borthwick

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - England Team Announcement Press Conference - Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol, Bristol, Britain - August 15, 2019 England forwards coach Steve Borthwick during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

KOBE (Reuters) - Japan's stunning World Cup victory over Ireland did not register as a huge surprise for Steve Borthwick and the England forwards coach said on Sunday the hosts have grown to such an extent they go into games against the elite sides believing they can win.

Four years on from delivering the sport's biggest upset by beating South Africa at the 2015 tournament, Japan pulled off another shock for the ages with a 19-12 win over the Irish, who only recently lost top spot in the world rankings to New Zealand.