It’s HISTORY as Japan defeat the Springboks

Japan

LONDON – In one of the most remarkable matches you will ever see, Japan have beaten South Africa 34-32 in Brighton.

Having only won one Rugby World Cup game in 24 years, Japan muscled up in the forward pack against the hulking South African players and more than held their own in the backline. The Brave Blossoms were simply incredible. Mauling was the name of the game as both teams looked to utilise their forward packs and they both did it with great effect.

It wasn’t so much the case that South Africa were poor as it was the fact that the Japanese players committed wholeheartedly to every act of the match being hungrier and more determined than the South African players who looked lethargic. With every inch that South Africa allowed Japan into the match, Japan’s confidence grew larger and it showed in the enterprising rugby they exhibited. They gained metres at will and scored in the corner in the fourth minute of injury time.

Japan’s Michael Leitch was superb as he led his team around the park and never gave up in defence. As for the South Africans, it will be the case of a huge few days of heavy soul searching.

As for the Japanese fans, there will be a time for reflection but this is not it. The biggest rugby party in the world kicked off last night, and there will no-one partying harder in the world than the Japanese rugby fans in Brighton this evening.


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