Australia coach Michael Cheika and his Wallabies side have been nominated for prizes at the World Rugby Awards in London.

Japan’s stunning progress at the World Cup has been recognised with their inclusion as one of four nominees for World Rugby’s team of the year award.

The Cherry Blossoms caused the biggest upset in World Cup history when they beat two-time champions South Africa 34-32 on the opening weekend.

They went on to become the first team to win three pool matches yet fail to reach the knockout phase.

New Zealand and losing semi-finalists Argentina have also been nominated.

The men in charge of all these four sides — Eddie Jones (Japan), Cheika Steve Hansen (New Zealand) and Daniel Hourcade (Argentina) — comprise the nominees for the 2015 World Rugby coach of the year award.

The winners will be announced at an awards dinner in London on Sunday, a day after Australia and New Zealand contest the World Cup final at Twickenham.