Japan, who came into this World Cup with only one win in their Rugby World Cup history against Zimbabwe in 1991, have pulled off the greatest upset in rugby history, defeating two time Champions South Africa 34-32.
Japan Secure Victory in Rugby’s Greatest Upset
From the opening minutes it was clear that this was not the Japan side that had seen huge defeats to the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Wales, they tackled hard, turned over the ball at the breakdown and ran at the Springboks defence. The boot of Ayumu Goromaru gave Japan an early 3-0 lead, and from that point the Cherry Blossoms were always in the match. A try from Francois Louw gave the South Africans the lead; however a push over try from Michael Leitch restored Japan’s three point advantage. A Bismarck Du Plessis try ensured South Africa went into the break with the lead but Patrick Lambie’s missed conversion meant it was only by two points.
Japan came out after the break in the same manner they had played in the first, hard tackling and capitalising on South African mistakes, and a penalty from Goromaru just after the break gave Japan the lead. The lead did not last long however as a missed tackle allowed Luke de Jager to cross for a try. Japan were not done and continued to endeavour and they were rewarded as two Goromaru penalties once again tied up the match. South Africa realised they were in a game and after passing up all previous opportunities to kick for goal, instead putting the ball into the corner, Lambie converted to give the Springboks an uncomfortable three point lead.
Once again the Japanese came back at the South Africans and once again Goromaru brought the scores level with another penalty. South Africa looked to wear the Japanese down and an Adriaan Strauss try gave the Springboks the lead once more. However the Japanese were not to be outdone and scored a beautiful try off a line out with Goromaru crossing the line and adding the extras to once again tie the scores.
The Springboks broke through the line and were knocking on the door once more, however a last gasp tackle denied them a try, and eventually South Africa settled for three points from a penalty. With the clock winding down Japan pushed deep into South African territory and were rewarded with a penalty with less than a minute of play to go, and South Africa were reduced to 14 men as Coenraad Oosthuizen was sent to the sin bin. Japan however did not take the three points on offer and a historic draw, instead they kicked for the corner and went for the win. The resultant drive from the line out was held up and Japan had a scrum five meters out with less than a minute to play. Japan were awarded a penalty from the scrum in a better kicking position, but once again Eddie Jones men went for the win opting for another scrum. Japan then sealed the greatest upset in rugby’s history as Karne Hesketh powered over to give Japan a 34-32 win with time expired.
Eddie Jones stated before the tournament that his aim was to reach the quarter finals. That aim no longer seems as optimistic as it once did. Four years before they host the tournament Japan have announced themselves on the world stage; they played with adventure in attack and offered a resolute defence that hit hard and sought turnover ball. Japan will go into Wednesday’s game against Scotland full of confidence.
South Africa were nowhere near at their best today but take nothing away from the Japanese they were excellent and truly deserved their win and will be looking ahead to their remaining pool matches full of confidence that they can advance to the knockout stages.
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