England's Cumbrian forwards coach Steve Borthwick is unsurprised by Japan’s victory over Ireland, believing the Rugby World Cup hosts now expect to win when they face tier-one opponents.

A 19-12 triumph over the Pool A heavyweights on Saturday has set the first Asian tournament ablaze, four years after Japan produced the greatest upset in rugby history by toppling South Africa.

Carlisle-born Borthwick helped mastermind the Springboks ambush as part of Eddie Jones’ coaching team and the result was responsible for transforming the game in Japan. And now the heroics against Ireland, who entered the World Cup at the top of the world rankings, has offered Japan sight of a first-ever quarter-final.

“It wasn’t surprising. It was a good game to watch. They played very well, they played smart,” said Borthwick.

“The big thing was the tenacity with which they play. They were impressive in that regard. They’ve got speed, they’ve got talent and then that tenacity.

“What 2015 did undeniably was lift rugby within Japan and it’s really important that they are effectively backing that up, building on what has been done before.

"Their coaching team of Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown has done a great job.”

Borthwick, 39, added: “There is an expectation now that Japan can win. If you look at their history in World Cups prior to 2015, it does not make pretty reading.

"Now, Japan go into these games, expecting to win.”