South Africa shocked as spirited Japan stun Springboks 34-32 in thriller

Karne Hesketh scored the winning try for Japan

After England and Ireland got off to winning starts at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, most expected South Africa to start off in similar fashion. The mighty Springboks however, 2-time Rugby World Cup winners, had not accounted for the kind of resistance that they faced from Japan.

In a match that will go down as one of the most dramatic ever, Japan scored a last-gasp winner to stun South Africa in an absolute thriller of a contest.

Karne Hesketh scored the game-winning try well past the 80-minute mark as they prevailed 34-32 over their more fancied rivals at the Brighton Community Stadium in this opening Pool B fixture.

The try was a result of close to six minutes of sustained pressure that Japan applied, almost laying siege to the Springbok defence.

The fruit of their efforts was just a second ever win for Japan at the Rugby World Cup after their only previous triumph in 1991, also against African opposition in Zimbabwe. This achievement however, ranks head and shoulders over that of what they achieved 24 years ago.

The Springboks actually scored a try more in the game, beating the Japanese four to three in that department. Ayumu Goromaru however, through his kicking game, kept Japan on South Africa’s coat tails throughout.

There is no hiding talent gap in rugby. There are very few upsets bigger, than Japan beating South Africa today at World Cup.

— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) September 19, 2015

Just wondering how South Africa's sports loving community must be reacting to losing to Japan at rugby........

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 19, 2015

Well that was one of the best games of rugby I've watched in long long time. Brilliant result. #japanrugby https://t.co/XR9a4fDS9H

— Andy Lang (@HRH_Duke_of_Url) September 19, 2015

South Africa came into the tournament boasting one of the most powerful packs across all teams which many thought could give them a chance as they go deep in the tournament. Japan though fought hard and matched the power of the Springboks, ensuring that they trailed by just two points as the teams went into the break with South Africa leading 12-10.

The grungy forwards battle gave way to a more open pattern of rugby in the second half with both teams able to make incisive raids into opposition territory. The game literally ran neck-to-neck as the scores were tied at 19 at the 53rd minute and at 22 on the hour mark.

Adriaan Strauss then provided South Africa with a boost as he touched down to put the Boks in front. Japan though, refusing to buckle, hit back with a superb try from star man Gorumaru. He converted the subsequent kick himself which pulled Japan back level at 29 with 11 minutes to go.

Boks kicker Handre Pollard then looked to have given South Africa the edge again when he nailed a penalty kick. As it had happened previously in the game though, South Africa once again found a response coming from the Japanese side which eventually led to the siege in the final few minutes and Hesketh’s eventual try.

Japanese fans were delirious with joy as they could not quite believe what they’d just witnessed with many of them bursting into tears in sheer joy. On the other side, there was bitter disappointment for the Springboks as players walked away dejected with their heads bent as their fans looked on stunned, their hands on their heads.

The buoyant Japanese next play Scotland at Gloucester on Wednesday while South Africa have a week to lick their wounds and refocus to play Samoa next Saturday.