Japan make rugby history by beating South Africa
BRIGHTON, England (Sept. 19) – Japan produced the biggest upset in rugby history and arguably the greatest sporting performance by a team from the Land of the Rising Sun as they beat South Africa 34-32 at Brighton Community Stadium on Saturday.
The Brave Blossoms defied the odds and rewrote rugby history as they beat the two-time champions to throw Pool B wide open.
A try by Karne Hesketh in the 82nd minute sealed the win after Michael Leitch had bravely turned down the chance of a shot at goal to tie the game.
His courage was rewarded as the Brave Blossoms kept the ball alive a number of phases before Hesketh went over in the corner.
Fumiaki Tanaka was named man-of-the-match but the award could have gone to any number of Japan players.
Ayumu Goromaru finished the day with 24 points courtesy of a try, five penalty goals and two conversions.
Leitch led by example and scored a try, Amanaki Lelei Mafi was inspirational off the bench while the likes of Hitoshi Ono, Shota Horie, Michael Broadhurst and Luke Thompson never gave up, time and time again making tackles.
The Springboks led 12-10 at the break thanks to tries by Francois Louw and Bismark du Plessis and even though they scored two more in the second half, the Brave Blossoms stayed in touch throughout an enthralling encounter.
Every every time the Springboks scored, Japan bounced back as their fitness and discipline shown through.
A penalty from Handre Pollard eight minutes from time looked to have won the game for South Africa, but Japan once refused to give up and an incredible final few minutes eventually saw Hesketh go over.
The standing ovation from the crowd and the noise in the stadium was unlike anything any of the Japan players had experienced.
“We’ve got a scrum that can give the Springboks trouble. Hopefully (referee Jerome Garces) doesn’t let Jannie Du Plessis run the scrum. Jannie can do a lot of talking. If we win the scrum battle, we can put ourselves in a position to win the game.”
“Tomorrow could be a day to remember for Japanese rugby.”