This guy knows his rugby.
We were all thrilled with Japan’s win, we all love hindsight too and we love to convince ourselves that we would’ve got it right.
You never do when you’re on the spot though. Not the big calls anyway.
One man did though.
Stephen Jones, rugby correspondent with The Sunday Times, can pat himself on the back because he was the only one to come out before the game and say that South Africa will not beat Japan.
A ridiculous suggestion.
Jones called it though. And he stuck to his guns.
Decent RWC day so far, crowds amazingly big,Tonga-Georgian great bunfight, Ireland v good v Canada. Cannot see the Boks getting past Japan
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
And some – actually, all of us – thought he was mad.
@stephenjones9 have another Pie and rethink that last bit ! Or next you will tell Italy will beat France 😎😎😄😄
— Nick Stewart (@colonelstewart) September 19, 2015
And his own belief started to grow.
Told you. Three nil to the Brave Blossoms … Boks facing RWC exit. Dominant. #Blossoms
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
What we think started as a half joke, started to escalate.
Blossoms miss easy pen …. If that had gone over Heyneke Meyer could have resigned at HT. toying with Boks
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
Joking apart how mean you not give a penalty try if you penalise defence at moving driving mail I yard from the line? Abysmal
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
And escalate.
Brave Blossoms drive massive Boks over their own line to score. That is staggering. Amazing half of rugby
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
And suddenly everyone started to believe. Sort of. Even Stephen.
@derycrees totally
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
Is that you, Jones?
https://twitter.com/Sonjamclaughlan/status/645293242540552192
Alright, don’t get smug.
Atmosphere again amazing at Twickenham tonight. Just back from bookies as the only man in the world to tip Japan, before the game
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) September 19, 2015
But tell us the lotto numbers please.
UPDATE:
Make that two men because someone did actually win big with a nice little bet on the game.
Paul McCluskey sent us this cast iron bit of proof which is probably even better than the money. Probably.
Well, it’s not, but it’s still nice to have.
