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Japan shocks South Africa in Rugby World Cup

September 19, 2015

Japan produced the biggest Rugby World Cup upset in history on Saturday when they beat twice champions South Africa 34 - 32. The win is already being hailed as one of the most memorable moments in rugby history.

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Rugby Union Südafrika vs Japan
Image: Reuters/S. Wermuth

Not a single fan inside the stadium in Brighton could have expected the incredible result for Japan in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Ferocious tackling from Japan kept them within two points of the Springboks at halftime after driving mauls brought tries for South Africa's Francois Louw and Bismarck du Plessis, with Michael Leitch touching down for Japan. The reliable boot of fullback Ayumu Goromaru nudged Japan in front early in the second half, but that was quickly cancelled out by a try from South African lock Lood De Jager.

Both sides exchanged a series of penalties before the Springboks snatched another try as replacement Adriaan Strauss burst through the defense. But then Japan found space out wide, sending Goromaru in at the corner; his conversion leveling the scores.

South Africa's Schalk Burger in action with Shinya Makabe
South Africa's Schalk Burger in action with Shinya MakabeImage: Reuters/E. Keogh

The win came in dramatic fashion, as Japan's Karne Hesketh scored a try in added time after his side had showed immense composure in the final stages when South Africa had been reduced to 14 men. Hesketh charged into the edge of the left corner and the crowd's reaction lifted the roof off the stadium, as Japan's players collapsed to the ground in a mixture of joy and disbelief.

With 10 minutes remaining, the noise level inside the small Brighton Community Stadium was deafening as Japan's screaming red-and-white army of fans sensed a sensational result might actually happen when fullback Ayumu Goromaru screeched over into the right corner to make it 29 - 29. Replacement flyhalf Handre Pollard kicked the Springboks ahead with seven minutes left.

But after Japan refused to kick for a draw, persistence and bravery was rewarded as the ball was swept from right to left and Hesketh squeezed through.

'Amazing' match

DW correspondent Nicole Goebel said about the match that is was "amazing."

"Japan with a last minute try sealed the win. Although tons of South African fans were there it seemed like the whole stadium was egging Japan on," Goebel said.

"Lots of England supporters are going with the underdogs tonight."

Hosts England kicked off the tournament on Friday with victory over Fiji. Japan will host the next World Cup in 2019 but currently have no major rugby infrastructure.

ss/cmk (AP, Reuters, dpa)