This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
On Sunday, South Africa's Springbok team secured a spot in the rugby World Cup semi-finals by defeating Japan 26-3, bringing an end to Japan's fairytale run at the tournament.
The match, held at Tokyo Stadium in front of a raucous 50,000-strong crowd, was Japan's first World Cup quarter-final. Despite the nation's growing passion for rugby, the hosts were unable to replicate their greatest moment on the rugby field – a 34-32 victory over South Africa in a group stage match in Brighton, England, four years ago.
South Africa had been stunned by that 'Miracle in Brighton' but with victories over Ireland and Scotland this World Cup, Japan no longer held any element of surprise. The two teams knew exactly what they needed to do to reach the semi-finals against Wales, and the match was a battle between the Boks' forwards and the Brave Blossoms' lightning backs.
Although the first half was close, with South Africa's profligacy with the line at their mercy, the Japanese team ran out of energy, ideas, and hope in the second half. They had not been tackled as fiercely this World Cup as they were on Sunday night, nor had they faced such a disciplined and well-organised defence.
South Africa's Faf de Klerk was named man of the match, and he added a second try on 66 minutes, while Makimpi added his second four minutes later. Pollard converted one try and slotted three penalties in the second period, all unanswered.
Japan could never hope to maintain the frenetic pace with which they had harried South Africa early on, and they departed the tournament beaten but with a whole new army of fans for their exciting, free-flowing rugby.
South Africa must now regroup for their Yokohama semi-final against Wales, who earlier recorded a 20-19 victory over 14-man France.
