He was already a hero after scoring 24-points in Japan’s famous win over South Africa, and now Ayumu Goromaru has amazed the world once more with an incredible try-saving tackle against Scotland.
Just four days after defeating the Springboks, the Cherry Blossoms stuck with Scotland for much of the first half but the Scots turned up the heat on the stroke of half-time with sustained pressure on Japan’s line.
They had 12 brutal phases trying to burrow over before spreading the ball wide. There was a huge overlap and Scotland looked certain to score.
Winger Tommy Seymour had the best part of a 20-metre head start on Goromaru when the ball was floating towards him. By the time he caught it, the Japanese fullback had made up half the distance and proceeded to line up Seymour.
Using all his momentum Goromaru landed the perfect hit on the winger and launched him over the sideline before he could even think about getting the ball down.
The herculean effort just to make the ground was inspirational for his teammates. Even though they didn’t have the energy to go on and pull off another upset, it was a symbol of the commitment by Japan at the tournament, further emphasised by Amanaki Mafi, who tried in vain to carry on even after twisting his knee early in the second half.
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