Un-f******-believable.
It was meant to be a massacre.
South Africa are one of the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup and as such were expected to stroll past minnows Japan, running in umpteen tries and getting their match sharpness fine-tuned for the bigger tests ahead.
But Japan didn’t read the script.
No, Eddie Jones’ side pulled off the greatest upset in the history of the World Cup with a performance that was as brave as it was ballsy.
They even turned down the chance to take a draw in the final minutes, deciding not to kick the three points that would level the scores and instead going for the try.
Take the draw you maniacs!
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) September 19, 2015
If you only watch one minute of rugby in your life choose this one. ITV now.
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) September 19, 2015
Their bravery paid off as Karne Hesketh crossed in the corner as the crowd in Brighton went berserk as Japan won 34-32.
It was that bravado, that was on display for the full 80 minutes, that made everyone watching (apart from South Africans) a Japanese fan.
Incredible, incredible stuff.
Here’s what the #RWC2015 looked like as that final try was scored.
Here's what #RWC2015 hashtag looked like as #JPN scored that last minute winning try against #RSA pic.twitter.com/Tu0S5f5WSA
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 19, 2015
But across Ireland – and the rest of the world – everyone was turning a little bit Japanese.
https://twitter.com/JonjoQ/status/645292923936968704
That is one of the best games of anything I have ever seen
— stephen hunt (@stephenhunt1010) September 19, 2015
Absolutely stupendous try from Japan.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) September 19, 2015
Rugby World Cup really should be only 10 teams. What are IRB thinking with all these 'other' countries taking part @ICC?? #RWC2015 #CWC2019
— Ed Joyce (@edjoyce24) September 19, 2015
https://twitter.com/Ciaran_O/status/645287383034933252
"Ya can shove your world ranking up your hole lads.." #RSAvJPN pic.twitter.com/usURpulzVU
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) September 19, 2015
https://twitter.com/johngosullivan/status/645293996831580160
One of the great games & shocks in #RWC history. Joy to watch! Unbelievable! Japan turned down chance to draw, went for win – huge respect!
— Tom Fox (@TomFoxy) September 19, 2015
Ah yeah I sagely said – fairy tales never happen in elite sport – Oh wait, Japan have scored in the 84th minute
— John Drennan (WTF/EFL/FLB) (@DrennanPolitics) September 19, 2015
I had thought before there was no sweeter sight than defeated Tipperary hurling fans tip toeing out of a stadium.
— John Drennan (WTF/EFL/FLB) (@DrennanPolitics) September 19, 2015
https://twitter.com/Johno9oc/status/645292675919388672
japanese players are still on the field. they don't want to go home pic.twitter.com/GTqVzOT4qx
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) September 19, 2015
Though seemingly not everyone was happy…
A Twitter search for "Pearl Harbour" right now… #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/o1cvn72Svu
— Martyn Rosney (@rosney) September 19, 2015
