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2019 Rugby World Cup hosts Japan have scored the upset of the tournament so far with a come-from-behind victory over world No.2 side Ireland.
The Irish led Japan for nearly the first hour of the contest with tries to Garry Ringrose and Rob Kearney. Three penalty goals to Japanese flyhalf Yu Tamura kept his side in the game before a try to Japanese replacement Kenki Fukuoka in the 58th minute put them ahead on the scoreboard for the first time in the match.
The Japanese managed to hold on in defence for the final 22 minutes to seal the famous victory, defeating Ireland 19-12.
Here are five talking points from the game.
1. Brave blossoms become serial giant-killers
For the second Rugby World Cup in a row, a Japanese side has taken on a traditional rugby powerhouse and won against all odds.
This time four years ago, it was the Springboks of South Africa who had their pants pulled down by the plucky Japanese, who scored a try after full time to win the game 34-32.
To add to the drama, Japan famously had the chance to kick a relatively easy penalty goal on full time to draw the scores level but chose to go for the try instead in what was a massive gamble which paid even bigger dividends.
This most recent World Cup upset over Ireland may not have had quite as much drama as the South Africa game in 2015 – but it was pretty bloody close.
Further, this type of result typifies exactly why the World Cup is such a phenomenon. It was frankly fantastic to see the Japanese pull off such a miraculous win in front of their home fans no less. I can’t wait to see what other magical moments this tournament throws up.
2. Battle for Pool A heats up
Their surprise victory over Ireland has not only marked an historic moment for Japan as a rugby-playing nation, but it has thrown a massive spanner into the workings of Pool A, leaving the race to the top of the pool well and truly wide open.
Ireland were expected to top the pool at the start of the tournament, and did their chances no harm with their 27-3 win over Scotland last week.
But this result will have fans of Scotland, Samoa, and of course Japan licking their lips with anticipation, as all three sides along with Ireland now have a realistic chance of advancing past the group stage, and possibly even topping the pool.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
3. Irish set pieces and discipline need improvement
Not a lot went right for the Irish in this match. Their set-pieces, in particular, left plenty to be desired and wound up costing them possession at several crucial times in the match.
Japan were able to steal two line outs from the Irish. One in the 50th minute would prove particularly costly for Ireland, who lost an opportunity to attack from inside the Japanese 22 due to a poor throw from captain Rory Best.
The Irish also allowed Japan to win a scrum against the feed, while losing the penalty count 9-6 also proved to be crucial as penalty goals are what kept Japan in the game for the first hour of the contest.
4. Garry Ringrose stars for Ireland
While he will be monumentally disappointed about the result, Irish outside centre Garry Ringrose can certainly hold his head high after a monumental effort in both attack and defence.
The stat sheet says 63m, two clean breaks, seven defenders beaten, two offloads and a try for Ringrose. That’s also what the Oxford Dictionary says when you look up “constantly threatening”.
He’ll no doubt continue to be one of the first picked for Ireland as long as he keeps posting numbers like that.
5. Ireland blow early dominance
The final scoreboard might read 19-12 after 80 minutes, but at one stage it looked like the Irish were headed for a big victory when they lead 12-3 after just 21 minutes.
Jack Carty, covering for the injured Johnny Sexton, was in rare form with the boot early, coming up with try-assists from kicks in the 13th and 20th minutes.
He also terrorized Japan with the boot out wide on both sides of the field, sending pinpoint accurate kicks to both his wingers Jacob Stockdale and Keith Earls at various points in the first half.
However, it was when Ireland went away from this tactic that Japan really started to get back into the game. With Carty pulling the strings with his boot early though, the Irish looked near-unstoppable.
What are your thoughts on the game Roarers? Where to now for Ireland? And which two teams do you think will qualify for the next round from Pool A? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.