LiveWorld Cup: Japan stun South Africa

Summary

  1. Pool B FT: South Africa 32-34 Japan
  2. Japan score winning try in 84th minute through Hesketh
  3. Michael Leitch & Goromaru tries, Goromaru 5 pens 1 con
  4. Louw, B Du Plessis, de Jager, Strauss tries for South Africa
  5. Choose radio commentary in 'Live Coverage'

Live Reporting

By Aimee Lewis

All times stated are UK

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Tackle tide turned

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Japan made over double the amount of tackles of their opponents - 76 to the Springboks' 35 - in the first half. 

But after a closing period in which the Brave Blossoms enjoyed much more of the game, the overall tackle count had a much more even look to it.

The Boks made almost as many tackles in the second half as Japan had in the first, proving this was no 'smash and grab' win.

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The biggest shock in sporting history?

Can anyone help Matt Brown? Does Wimbledon's FA Cup win over Liverpool come close? 

Just trying to explain to @amymasonbrown (ultra sport-phobic) how big the Japan win is - can anyone provide a non-sport analogy? #bbcrugby

Tireless tackling

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Japan are the first non Tier One nation to beat South Africa and they achieved it with tireless tackling, among other things such as nerve, spirit and guile. 

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A captain's performance

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Japan captain Michael Leitch certainly led the way in terms of tackles made, topping the tackle charts with 16. The flanker scored a try too, of course. He should be given the freedom of Brighton for that performance. 

To the victors the spoils

South Africa 32-34 Japan

To add more context to Japan's victory, if that was needed, they are only the fourth different side to beat South Africa at the Rugby World Cup. The others are New Zealand, Australia, England. 

A space has opened up for you in the history books, Mr Jones and co. 

Japan celebrate

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Japan had never played South Africa before this meeting so why on earth did we think the Springboks were going to win handsomely when Japan hadn't actually ever lost to the former world champs. 

Foolish. Japan, we apologise for assuming you would be thrashed. 

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Lots of ways to win

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Stats don't tell the whole story. South Africa enjoyed more possession and territory but could not transfer that into fluid  attack, even if they did score four tries.

Even more pertinently, in the limited time Japan entered their half with the ball the Boks were not suitably streetwise at the breakdown and were punished with the penalties that ultimately lost them the game.

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'A great day for Japanese rugby'

South Africa 32-34 Japan

Japan coach Eddie Jones tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "It's quite incredible. We thought we could compete but to beat South Africa is a fantastic achievement for the team and it's a great day for Japanese rugby.

"Japan can only play one way, we've got a little team, so we have to move the ball around and cause problems.

"Today is just the start. The target now is to make the quarter-finals and we have got Scotland in four days' time so we cannot rest on our laurels.

"If you are a child in Japan you will watch this and you will want to play rugby for Japan in the next World Cup."

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We've let our country down - Meyer

South Africa 32-34 Japan

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Every game is going to be tough but there are no excuses.

"We scored four tries but our discipline was not good enough and we can't give so many penalties away.

"Their defence was awesome but we have let our country down - it's not good enough."

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