Japan write World Cup history with sensational win against Springboks


  • Rugby
  • Sunday, 20 Sep 2015

Rugby Union - South Africa v Japan - IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B - Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton, England - 19/9/15 Japan celebrate victory after the match Reuters / Eddie Keogh

BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Japan recorded the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history as substitute Karne Hesketh scored on the last play of the game to seal a 34-32 victory over two-time winners South Africa and send reverberations through the sport two days into the six-week tournament.

It was only the second win in 25 World Cup matches for the Asian nation, but they fully deserved to take the spoils from Saturday's pulsating Pool B encounter at the Brighton Community Stadium.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Rugby

Rugby-Hansen appointed head coach of New Zealand’s Black Ferns until 2027
Rugby-WRU pledges to retain talent as Morgan, Lake announce Gloucester switch
Rugby-Lower tackle height to be trialled at Under-20 worlds
Rugby-Lynagh, McDermott, Wright back in Wallabies squad for January camp
Rugby-Savea named New Zealand's best for third time
Rugby-Etzebeth accepts ban but maintains eye-gouge was not intentional
Rugby-All Blacks to play France at new Christchurch stadium in 2026
Rugby-No formal charges in Curry-Contepomi tunnel incident
Rugby-Erasmus gets new contract to stay with South Africa until 2031
Rugby-Springbok lock Etzebeth gets 12-match ban for eye gouge

Others Also Read