World Cup: Japan stun South Africa

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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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."

West Ham are leading Premier League leaders Manchester City. 

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What did South Africa do badly? Discipline. They were turned over 11 times in the game - with Schalk Burger the main culprit with four. 

They also conceded 12 penalties - with Bismark du Plessis at fault four times - and Ayumu Goromaru knocked over five of them. 

The so-called minnows don't usually have a clinical kicker but Japan's full-back punished the Boks.

South Africa send a sporting tweet to the victors

Stop the clocks, Japan's victory has caught the attention of the football world.

Japan will host the next Rugby World Cup, of course, so what will that victory do to the sport in the land of the rising sun?

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For once, no-one can disagree with Austin Healey...

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We weren't lying. Japan did beat South Africa and here's the score to prove it. Rub your eyes once, rub them twice, the score will remain the same. 

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South Africa captain Jean de Villiersis interviewed on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

"There's a lot of disappointment," De Villiers says. "Big credit to Japan they put us under pressure at the end and we were not good enough.

"There is still a possibility to make it out of the group and we need to win every game we have got left but it is hugely disappointing. The character of this side will be tested. It is not doom and gloom but a massive dent to us."

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In every other Rugby World Cup match Japan had conceded an average of 48 points per game. They hadn't won in 18 World Cup matches. They were written off. They weren't given a hope. They were expected to be thrashed. BUT THEY HAVE BEATEN SOUTH AFRICA! Incredible. 

"The imagination this has captured is worth its weight in gold. David has beaten Goliath. The small has beaten the big. The underdogs have beaten the battle hardened.

"Unbelievable. It was a tactical masterclass. Japan were ruthlessly efficient and they made only two or three mistakes with their handling. They are deserved of the name 'brave' in their nickname."

Ayumu Goromaru misses the conversion but who cares about that. Japanese fans are in tears. Japanese players are in tears. South Africa's players are on their knees. 

That's the biggest surprise in World Cup history. 

The ball bobbles out from the base but Japan still have possession. The forwards surge, well, forward...

Japan 6m from the tryline. South Africa holding firm... 

The front row collapse... it's one way of ensuring this fantastic match never ends, I suppose.

The scrum turns, which means it must be reset. Ear-splitting noise inside the stadium... the Japanese bench are on their feet... coach Eddie Jones is standing... Will we witness history?

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Eddie Jones is on his feet. Japanese fans are on their feet...Penalty for the Brave Blossoms as the Springboks err in the scrum... Japan opt for another scrum. We're into added time. 

No sign of the ball as the replays show the drive from almos every angle. "There's nothing clear at all, it's got to be a scrum five. Red ball." 

The crowd hiss. 

Japan go again. Thirty seconds or so left. 

A heap of red and white shirts go over the tryline in unison. Did someone touchdown? The referee asks the TMO... 

South Africa fans looking through the lattice of their fingers. Could they lose this in the final seconds? 

Japan with the line-out... the catch... they drive... seconds remaining and the Brave Blossoms are going for it! 

Coenie Oosthuizen is shown a yellow card for not rolling away. What will Japan do? They're 5m from the South African line...

They opt from the catch and drive. Oh boy. 

Japan can smell the whitewash... they're inching ever closer to South Africa's line... Two minutes remaining... Oh my giddy aunt...

Japan inside South Africa's 22... the crowd creating a deafening noise... patiently they recycle... punching and probing... phase after phase... 

Three minutes remaining

Japan keeping the ball in hand, continuing with the adventure which has brought them so much reward... they're in the South Africa half... 

Four minutes remaining...

Luke Thompson fumbles in contact, leaving the referee with little option but to blow his whistle. South Africa with the scrum, Japan fans increasing the volume, encouraging their team to produce one final scoring effort...

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru is having a decent afternoon: a try, two conversions, five penalties, 68m made from four carries and two tackles. He'll be hooking the ball in a scrum next...

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The scoreboard keeps on ticking. Handre Pollard doing the damage with the ball in hand, winning territory for his team, and Japan are caught offside... Eventually the referee blows his whistle after the Springboks fail to take advantage and replacement Pollard adds the three points. 

"Without a doubt this is a shock. South Africa have to have a long hard look at themselves.

"Japan have 30,000 people imploring them to keep doing what they are doing."

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

"South Africa have absorbed everything Japan have got. But Japan have got the support behind them. World Rugby should get a copy of this game and give it to every coach. Outstanding defence from Japan. They have kept it simple. And have been fantastic. Everyone here is willing for Japan to get down to the South African 22."

"The accuracy from Japan is blowing me away - they are a coaches dream. It is the best record in the World Cup against the worst but this is fascinating stuff." 

Listen to the exciting conclusion to this match on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

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Is this where the Japanese defence crumbles like a cookie? South Africa camped in Japan's 22... the Brave Blossoms needing tin hats... They have a line-out just 5m from their own line...

As has been the story of the match, Japan not overawed and they win possession and run it out before Kotaro Matsushima finds touch. 

Japan are still in this game with 20 to go because of two things: their own resilience and South Africa's indiscipline. This is where they've given second-half penalties away - all within range of their posts - and Ayumu Goromaru has knocked them over.

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"It is relief from everyone in the South Africa team. Schalk Burger was making inroads, and then Adriaan Stauss was taking people on. He is a big man moving at pace. I fear this is the beginning of the end for Japan."

Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Michael Leitch scored Japan's try and he is also leading their defensive effort with a lung-bursting 13 tackles in the first 55 minutes. 

He's missed two, part of an overall missed tackle count of 15 for the team, but there always seems to be another in cherry and white ready to make amends.

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Jean de Villiers gathers his men, tells them to obey the rules otherwise there will be consequences while Ayumu Goromaru lines up another shot at the uprights. 

The full-back crouches, looks up, steps back before sweetly striking it through the middle. We're even stevens. 

Every time South Africa score you expect them to turn the screw and trample on Japanese hopes, but they've been unable to do that so far in this match. 

Japan responding with verve and panache, dashing forward and earning a penalty as the Boks fail to roll away. "Next time yellow card," says the referee. 

"South Africa do not deviate from game plans, but they need to kick to the corners and get a grip on this game. Pat Lambie is giving his shirt away and he is making South Africa look very beatable."

Press the audio icon at the top of this page to listen to live coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Referee Jerome Garces blows his whistle as Japan appear to err at the breakdown and Jean de Villiers points to the posts. The crowd hiss. The South Africa captain the pantomime villain on this occasion. But Pat Lambie puts his side in the lead and that's what De Villiers would have wanted. 

Schalk Burger remains on the field and he gains his team some territory with a trademark burst through the middle. Japan refusing to crumble, though. The head says South Africa will be victorious, but Japan have been playing tricks with everyone's mind these last 55 minutes or so. 

"Japan are ticking all the boxes. They are ruthless and efficient in their accuracy and there are gaps everywhere in the South Africa team."

Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Ayumu Goromaru looks to have studied Jonny Wilkinson's technique such is his routine and the full-back as lethal with the boot it seems. There was no chance of him missing from in front of the posts. Japan are level! Level! 

It's brain rather than brawn from Japan, but it's working. The Brave Blossoms spinning from right to left and Schalke Burger could be in trouble because of a high tackle... Regardless, Japan have a shot at the posts. 

Breathless stuff. Pat Lambie running with the ball, but into a wall of Japanese defenders... Schalk Burger spills the ball in the tackle and Japan counter-attack! Six handling errors from the Springboks in this match. From attack to defence... the former champs have lost 60m thanks to a brilliant touch finder from Kosei Ono. 

Japan refusing to fold after that try and Bismarck du Plessis fails to get away from the tackle, presenting Ayumu Goromaru with an opportunity to reduce the arrears with the boot. Just three points in it. 

"Japan are not chasing their kicks and that is their massive Achilles heel at the moment."

Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

  Ayumu Goromaru has an opportunity to put his side in the lead and the full-back hits it true and through the uprights. But Japan won't win this one, right? They can't, right? It's not how it was supposed to be.   

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Japan have made over double the amount of tackles of their opponents - 76 to the Springboks' 35. That's almost one per minute... and that's very tiring no matter what the fitness regime

They've missed nine tackles too though, and they surely can't afford to slip off many more than that in this half if they are going to pull off this Buster Douglas-esque shock. 

"South Africa probably have an absolute grilling at half-time. Pat Lambie then slices one off the boot. What is happening to this South Africa team? It is like a Hollywood film."

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The second half is up and running the Pat Lambie kicks the ball out on the full... The South Africa error count continues to rise...

To put Japan's performance in perspective, Japan are winless in their last 18 World Cup matches - and have lost by double-figure margins in 15 of those 16 defeats. 

Japan’s losing run at the World Cup is the longest of its kind. Meanwhile, South Africa have the best win ratio in Rugby World Cup history, winning 86.2% of their games. 

By any measure, that was a heck of a first-half display even though the Brave Blossoms trail by two points. 

The players emerge from the changing room and South Africa have some work to do if they are to have a restful night's sleep tonight. 

The Springboks gained more control of the half as it progressed, and you'd imagine the defensive work Japan's players have had to put in might hurt them in the last quarter. That's what all of South Africa is hoping anyway - because so far this has not gone to plan. 

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Gareth Thomas, the former Wales captain, is looking forward to tomorrow because Wales will take on Uruguay to start their World Cup campaign... 

This scoreline is not what the bookies' would have predicted. Some experts say Japan have the fitness to continue with such endeavour and, if true, we're set for a magnificent second half.

"Incredible. You see the Japan players running off the pitch as if they have not been playing for 40 minutes. South Africa are getting tactically and physically undone by this chop tackle by Japan.

"South Africa's tactics are to play off nine, but it is bringing in the Japanese defenders, who are stopping the runners where they are. South Africa are dull to watch and they need to change it.

"The Japanese train hard, often too hard, and they have come into this on the back of a six-month camp. But it means they will be very fit. It will be interesting to see how the next 20 minutes of the match go, but Japan could win this."

Live commentary on BBC radio 5 live sports extra.

"The fans may have been outnumbered outside the stadium but the backing Japan have been getting inside is incredible. Every turnover and line break is being cheered and the roar when the Brave Blossoms scored their try was deafening. They've won over most of the neutrals in Brighton. Can they keep it up in the second half?

South Africa, one of the favourites for the World Cup, are in an arm-wrestle with underdogs Japan at Brighton. The energy and commitment of the Brave Blossoms means they are within touching distance of the Springboks at the break.

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It will come as no surprise to those who watched the first half to learn that hooker Bismarck du Plessis made the most carries in the opening 40mins - a total of six from the tireless hooker. 

Japan captain Michael Leitch has been ever present too, scoring the try and making a table-topping 10 tackles.

Japan holding on. And on. And on. The ubiquitous Bismarck du Plessis again gaining territory... up he pops again, but he's knocked backwards this time and Japan steal possession! And that's the end of the half. 

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One last dash of derring-do from South Africa? Yep. Bismarck du Plessis barging through a few Japanese bodies like a hungry bear... the forwards creating room for the backs...

"These phases are going for two-and-a-half minutes, which you never see in a 15s game. It is so entertaining for this crowd.

"The thing that is really impressing me is the accuracy from the Japanese team, and that gives them a platform no matter where they are on the pitch."

Live coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. 

Schalk Burger is making light of his switch to the back of the scrum rather than the side of it. The flanker, starting what will be his last World Cup at No.8, has carried strongly on six occasions and offloaded effectively once - while in defence he already has a turnover to his name.

This is a magnificently entertaining half, both teams showing adventure and, admittedly, making errors. South Africa knock-on at a Japan line-out, which results in a Japanese scrum near the halfway. 

Eddie Jones's men under pressure in the scrum, as they have been all match, but they get the ball away quickly, as they have doen all match. 

"It has got to be frustrating for the Japan coaches. Such good work, but then they do something as simple as give away a penalty. It is such a shame to see it, but undoubtedly it is what the South Africans have in their gameplan."

Press the audio button to listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

"How do you stop a driving maul with 14 men in? It's a ridiculous concept. With that mass of number they were always going to walk over the line. What endeavour. What a game. The Japanese team have the crowd in the palms of their hands."

Live coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

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The crowd slow clap... we await the decision. 

And the judgement arrives: "Short on the grounding so we're back to the original penalty for collapsing the maul. Japan opt for the catch and drive. 

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After being hustled out of their stride in the opening exchanges by their energetic opponents, South Africa had taken a grip on the game by the midway point of the half, as the territory and possession stats illustrate.

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Japan win the line-out 5m from the South Africa line... this could be exciting... they form a maul... forward they go...green bodies unable to stop the advancing red and whites. 

Hendrik Tui is holding onto the ball as everyone else leaves the line, a bit like Ross and Monica in that episode in Friends. The number eight isn't leaving the spot. He wants the try. What will the TMO say? 

"You will not get any coach in the world that doesn't say that rugby is a simple game. Japan are securing ball, being accurate with their passes and have good shape and structure. I'm so impressed with what I've seen so far."

Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

South Africa not staying on their feet at the ruck which is why the referee blows his whistle in favour of Japan. The Brave Blossoms bravely opting for touch and it's a mammoth kick from Ayumu Goromaru. A brilliant position to attack from. 

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The sight of Japan's scrum retreating and collapsing becoming a familiar one. They won't get platform from that set-piece. They do hold on to possession, however, and are trying to puncture holes in the South Africa defence around the halfway line. 

Japan playing the last five minutes on their heels, but the relieve the pressure with a huge touch finder. 

The underdogs have made 49 tackles already and, you'd assume, it would be difficult to sustain that. 

Both teams making mistakes, the nerves of the occasion perhaps getting to them.

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South Africa butcher a try-scoring opportunity when it would have been easier to score. 

Ruan Pienaar can smell the whitewash, passes to Jannie du Plessis who falls short.. His brother Bismark then messes up, knocking on when the tryline was his only opponent. 

Japan have started brilliantly, but they're behind on the scoreboard which is how you expect things to continue. 

South Africa have found their tempo, the confidence now oozing and the Brave Blossoms now have to defend wave after wave of South Africa attack. 

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"South Africa have such a strong side and Japan could not stop their power. But Japan have to stop giving away penalties in their own 22, especially when they had no chance of winning the ball.

"I hope Japan can keep up their energy as they are clearly enjoying themselves."

Live coverage is available on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. Press the audio tab at the top of this page.

South Africa marauding around the Japanese 22, patiently recycling possession, the forwards doing the dirty work and perhaps inevitably they win a penalty as number eight Hendrik Tui is punished at the ruck. 

"It is incredible to see this much energy from Japan. It's the most amount of running I have ever seen in a 15s game."

Listen to live commentary from BBC Radio 5 live sports extra by pressing the audio button at the top of this page.

Before we get carried away by Japan's opening 15 minutes, it's worth reminding ourselves of South Africa's record at the World Cup. 

Much of the play has been in South Africa's half, but Japan lose possession on their own line-out and concede a penalty, giving  the former champs a chance to make a rare foray into the Japan half. 

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Yes, well, South Africa fans might have to go hungry if their team continue in this fashion. Japan advance forward again and they're 15m or so from the South African try line... Ah. But South Africa turnover possession at the ruck, Schalk Burger the Springbok who stole the ball.

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"Their fans may have been outnumbered outside the stadium, but Japanese supporters are in full voice inside the stadium. Every turnover and line break is being is being loudly cheered. Most of the neutrals in the ground have been won over by this brilliant start from the Brave Blossoms."

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru has a chance to extend his team's lead, but he hooks his effort wide of the uprights. 

"This tempo is at another level. Every single Japan player knows where they need to be and it is hard for the South African players to keep up."

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Japan hooker Shota Horie showboating, passing with the back of his hand. That's audacious against South Africa. Japan are on the up, showing adventure and recycling possession with confidence. Eddie Jones has set his team up well. And the underdogs have another shot on goal...

"Japan want to keep the ball but if they are not going to chase the ball as hard as they can then it's going to be a very long afternoon for them."

You can listen to live commentary by pressing the audio button at the top of this page.

Just to reiterate the scale of Japan's task today...

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru has an idiosyncratic routine, Jonny Wilkinson-esque, and he's as reliable as the former England outside-half on this occasion, booting it through the middle to give his team the lead. 

Japan's scrum retreats but Kosei Ono gets the ball away to the backs and full-back Ayumu Goromaru bursts through midfield in a fabulous break. Wonderful, inventive stuff from the underdogs. He's brought down by his opposite number but Japan have a penalty for their efforts. 

Japan stealing possession with the elan of the Artful Dodger. "You've got to pick a pocket or two," they say in a rousing chorus. They don't of course, because the Brave Blossoms need to continue to be on defensive alert. 

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Pat Lambie with a neat touch-finder for the Springboks, taking his team deep into opposition territory. Victor Matfield, who surely started playing rugby alongside Webb Ellis himself given the lock's longevity, rises above everyone else to set up a perfect platform but, once again, South Africa lose possession in the tackle. 

Ominous. Bryan Habana has space down the right, feeds Francois Louw who has Japanese players bouncing off him. The Brave Blossoms steal ball at the ruck, though, which brings a dangerous-looking attack to a halt. 

"Sadly it will be a step too far for Japan. These men coming at you time and time again is going to be such a tough ask for these Japanese players."

A toot of referee Jerome Garces's whistle gets the match under way. Pat Lambie kicks it downfield and we're off. 

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Ah, Jonah Lomu, the original heavyweight with panther-like speed. As we've mentioned Bryan Habana is closing in on his World Cup tries record, but the New Zealander is not concerned. 

"I'm not worried about it," he said. Told you he wasn't worried. "When I set the record, I did it in two World Cups and he's coming into his third - that's the difference." 

We get your point, Jonah. 

By the way, Habana needs just one more score to become the fourth man to score 60 tries at Test level. Many expect him to achieve that this afternoon. 

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The sun is out, the teams are out and we're ready for the national anthems. South African fans in the majority in Brighton and the stadium looks full to the brim, which is a nice sight.

Oh boy, this next bit doesn't make happy reading for Japan fans either because the Brave Blossoms concede an average of 48 points a game at a Rugby World Cup. 

Bryan Habana -  five tries behind Jonah Lomu's record of 15 Rugby World Cup touchdowns - must be licking his lips.

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It's a beautiful late afternoon on the English south coast and the players are just going through their final routines before going head-to-head. 

The South Africans are hopping over barriers like rabbits, fearsome bunnies, while the stadium announcer is attempting to whips up the crowd by encouraging them to go "eh-oh". Or something like that. 

It's been quite a while since Japan won a World Cup match - it was back in 1991 against Zimbabwe - and during that long, miserable winless streak they've lost by double-figure margins in 15 of their 16 losses.

It gets worse. Look away Japan fans because today you are facing a team with the best win rate in the tournament's history as South Africa have won 86.2% of their World Cup games.

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South Africa's cricketers are behind their rugby counterparts.

"South Africa are overwhelming favourites for this match, especially given Japan's winless run at the World Cup. But fans of the Brave Blossoms are in good cheer despite being largely outnumbered by Springboks supporters."

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Here are Japan's 15 best who, with an average age of 29 years and 310 days, are the oldest team to ever play for the Brave Blossoms. Good luck, gentlemen. 

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"Supporters of both sides have been enjoying themselves in the late afternoon sun outside the stadium before kick-off. There is plenty of entertainment to keep the fans interested, from face painting to pictures with the Webb Ellis Trophy."

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South Africa have left out some star names for this clash, but they've had to make a late adjustment to the original line-up, bringing in Pieter-Steph du Toit into the blind-side for Willem Alberts, who injured his calf during the captain's run. 

Heyneke Meyer's side is still the most experienced in the nation's history however, with a total of 851 caps - beating South Africa's previous best of 836 caps, which was set during the World Cup quarter-final against Australia four years ago.

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A bit of a public service announcement before we get into the nitty-gritty of this match. It's just to say that you can listen to BBC Radio 5 live sports extra coverage of this match via this page. There'll be the usual minute-by-minute updates - and you can also get score alerts straight to your phone via the BBC Sport app. 

If you've not signed up yet - click here to find out all about it.  

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Like tries? You've come to the right place. Well, you've probably come to the right place. Welcome to live coverage of South Africa's World Cup opener against Japan. 

Even Japan coach Eddie Jones has described this clash as a "real David versus Goliath game" and teams don't get much bigger, streetwise and more fearsome than the Springboks.

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