Japan beat South Africa in most incredible result in Rugby World Cup history

Japan produced the biggest shock in the history of the sport to beat Pool B favourites and rugby giants South Africa 34-32 in Brighton.

The Cherry Blossoms had gone a record 18 World Cup matches without a win heading into this game – their first ever meeting with the Springboks, who had won all of their tournament openers since 1995.

But Heyneke Meyer’s lacklustre side never got going and will be left to pick up the pieces after their first ever defeat to a nation from outside the top tier of international rugby.

A topsy-turvy match saw the lead change hands several times as Japan’s slick handling skills and attacking verve was matched by South Africa’s powerful midfield runners and dauntingly dominant driving maul.

Going in just two points behind at the break, Japan showed incredible heart to recover from tries by Lood de Jager and Adriaan Strauss to stay in touch going into the final ten minutes of the match, thanks in the main to a wonderful team try finished off by full-back and man-of-the match Ayumu Goromaru.

The scores were level at 29-29 as the clock ticked beyond 70 minutes, but it looked as if South Africa had dodged a bullet when they kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to go 32-29 ahead.

Japan pushed straight upfield from the restart, however, and the huge amount of pressure they put the Springboks under led to a penalty.

Instead of going for goal, they kicked for touch; then, after another infringement, they did the same again when an easy chance to get a draw came up.

Instead, Japan went all-out for the win, playing brilliant, controlled rugby to keep hold of the ball before eventually Karne Hesketh scored in the corner for an unforgettable victory - Japan's first in the World Cup since 1991.

Heyneke Meyer’s squad selection was already a major talking point going into this game, even before he named his starting XV. But the presence of Jean de Villiers and Victor Matfield in the side, after both had so recently returned from injury, hinted at a reluctance to go away from his tried and tested formula. Japan took full advantage of that rustiness, playing at a higher tempo than the Springboks and disrupting at the breakdown and in the contact area right from the first minute.

Social media went utterly crazy after arguably the greatest upset in rugby history - you can read the funniest, pithiest and cleverest Tweets in our separate article.

[BEST TWEETS: Japan produce greatest upset ever at Rugby World Cup!]

18’ TRY! The Springboks opt against a kick for the posts and go for the lineout/rolling-maul combination, which is far too powerful for Japan to handle. Francoise Louw is the man under the pile of bodies credited with the score.

30’ TRY! Japan roll their maul over the South African line and captain Michael Leitch stretches out to make the score. That's a phenomenal effort and a richly deserved score. Game on?!

33’ TRY! South Africa respond immediately, taking advantage of a Japanese error at the restart to power over with a rolling maul of their own. Bismarck du Plessis gets the score, but Patrick Lambie misses the conversion attempt.

43’ Japan have started the second period as they finished the first and win a penalty inside the South Africa half. Goromaru slots the three points and Japan are ahead!

44’ TRY! The lead didn't last long for Japan. Lood de Jager breaks a tackle and shows an impressive turn of pace for a second row to out-pace the covering defenders and score under the posts.

63’ TRY! Sub prop Adriaan Strauss breaks a tackle 20 yards from the line and produces a silky side-step to wrong-foot the full-back and score for South Africa. That could be the crucial score that finally puts an end to Japan's brave resistance.

69’ TRY! Scenes! Absolute scenes! Goromaru crosses in the corner at the end of a wonderfully-worked attacking move.

70’ Goromaru has been a revelation today and kicks the conversion from out on the touchline to bring the scores level. There are just ten minutes left. And the scores are level. Unbelievable.

79’ Coenie Oosthuizen goes to the bin for the final couple of minutes for not rolling away. Japan kick for the corner and will have a lineout five yards from the South Africa try-line!

80’ TTTRRRYYY!!! They've done it! Japan have scored in the corner! What a moment! What a game! It's Karne Hesketh with the try! Japan have beaten South Africa!!!