Japans win over South Africa is one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history.
Japans win over South Africa is one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history.
And so it begins.
Cue the bleary eyes, the sleep-deprived mornings and the constant rugby chatter - and bring it on.
Rugby fan or not, there's set to be one main topic of conversation over the next six weeks as the All Blacks strive to bring the Webb Ellis Trophyhome again.
But let's not forget all the other gems the tournament is set to throw up, and indeed already has.
Sport nut or not, Japan's mighty, mighty match yesterday - arguably the greatest upset in the Cup's history - shows the magic that can come from the tournament, and not just in the high-profile games.
The bravery and tenacity that led the Cherry Blossoms to take out the two-times world champions has to capture the hearts of those even with just a passing interest in the sport.
Remember, the Japanese have only ever won one game in Rugby World Cup history - back in 1991.
Seeing the faces of the die-hard supporters in the crowd and back home truly captures what sport is all about - the stuff sporting fairy tales are made of.
In a multicultural country like ours you can guarantee there'll be those who turn up to work today ecstatic about the wins of the weekend.
And I can only imagine the look on some of our South African colleagues' faces when they arrive, under no illusions about the ribbing that's ahead of them.
Granted there'll be those who, one weekend in, are already sighing at the thought of hearing more about rugby.
For them, a long few weeks lie ahead.
But with so much doom and gloom let's get swept up by the joy of some of the moments to come. Why not let it capture our imagination and have us crawling out of bed in the early hours?
Let's hope the next 40 days bring us some good rugby, some more stellar upsets and that we end up the ones smiling after that November 1 final.
