Japan
3
Match Complete
South Africa
26
| 69 |  | M. Mapimpi | ||
| 65 |  | H. Pollard | ||
| 65 | | F. D. Klerk | ||
| 63 |  | H. Pollard | ||
| 48 | | H. Pollard | ||
| 43 | | H. Pollard | ||
| Y. Tamura | | 19 | ||
| 3 | | M. Mapimpi |
| 0 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Brave Blossoms at home are looking to create history in their first ever Rugby World Cup quarter-finals appearance against the Springboks of South Africa. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the game from 9:15pm (AEDT).
Japan unexpectedly topped their group after an undefeated run in the group stage, recording upset victories over traditional rugby nations Ireland and Scotland.
South Africa – picked by many at the start of the tournament as eventual champions – came second in Pool B after a first up 23-13 loss to fellow tournament favourites New Zealand.
However, they’ve since recorded convincing victories over Namibia, Italy and Canada, conceding just one try in these three games. They enter the knock-out stage in some seriously hot form.
Japan last played the Springboks in a pre-tournament friendly which they lost 41-7. However, they’ll be hoping that the magnitude of the occasion can inspire a performance more like the Brighton Boilover 4 years ago, in which Japan recorded what was then the biggest upset in World Cup history (and arguably still is) against South Africa, defeating them 34-32 with a try after the full time siren.
Prediction
What the Brave Blossoms have achieved at this World Cup already is absolutely humungous – rugby in Japan clearly has a very bright future and will only go from strength to strength after this tournament is over.
But their fairy-tale run must come to an end eventually, and I’m predicting the Springboks will be the ones to do it.
South Africa will be extremely motivated after what happened at the last World Cup. They will be ready to go, and I don’t think Japan will get near them.
South Africa by 21
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 9:15pm (AEDT).
Where: Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
When: 9:15pm (AEDT)
TV: Channel 10, Fox Sports
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Japan
Ryohei Yamanaka, Kotaro Matsushima, Timothy Lafaele, Ryoto Nakamura, Kenki Fukuoka, Yu Tamura, Yutaka Nagare; Kazuki Himeno, Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch (capt.), James Moore, Luke Thompson, Jiwon Koo, Shota Horie, Keita Inagaki
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, Wimpie van der Walt, Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Fumiaki Tanaka, Rikiya Matsuda, Lomano Lava Lemeki.
Springboks
Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Loedwyk De Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Malcom Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, rancois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Got it, thanks for the reply.
Over here
Roar Rookie
japan need to play quick, we don't. We have size and skill (supposed to) :stoked:
Harry Jones
Expert
J Davies is crucial
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Wales are at the end of their physical tether sadly, just hope there are not too many top people missing... :unhappy:
Harry Jones
Expert
Lucky, as we call him. Good news: all the brutal Bokke healthy. Looking forward to watching our 10 and 12 versus your 10 and 12. I think you’ll see a running Bok flyhalf this week; trying to find that seam between Bigs and Parkes. Also, Willie is officially a zombie.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Lukhanyo Am!! :thumbup:
Harry Jones
Expert
I think we dumb, but fast and strong. We be ok. We am who we Am. :laughing:
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I think England are better than SA atm Harry, period. Your forwards are excellent, but your backs outside the halves cannot use the ball to the level required, so SA are not a complete team.
Peter
Guest
Ask your Mum to help you find the “pointless remark” button. Oh wait, you already did... :happy: Beyond which, the endless team hugs and conferences around penalties, line outs, scrums chew up enormous amounts of time. No reason for the referee not to be saying “Get on with it.” And as someone who played in a couple of packs with a very good rolling maul, I thought then and now that it’s a bit suss.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
I have the same issues! Don't panic. Still have really enjoyed the RWC. Set up nicely for the semi finals. Boks v ABs for the final?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Let me rephrase. I love the english, theyre great people and I love their country. I just cant abide seeing them do well in any sporting contest. I think this is a genetic problem I have by virtue of being born in Aus
The Late News
Roar Rookie
my girl is from Manchester...so I let her enjoy the wins....
Tony Hodges
Roar Rookie
No doubt - a dream tournament only.
System of a Downey Jr
Roar Rookie
Nothing gospel, just something I read that Jonathan Kaplan wrote a couple of weeks ago. I personally think it will be either Barnes or Owens.
Laurence Olivier
Faf needs a wake up call! Stop the useless kicking just giving away possession and breaking the momentum of his team. Plus he invariably takes a couple of small steps before passing the ball. The Faf quickstep! That gives the opposition critical seconds to rapidly close the defensive line making life difficult for the pass receivers. He appears the goods because he stands out on the field thanks to his constant over hyped activity and bobbing hairdo. If Aaron Smith played for the Boks they would easily beat any other team in the world.
riddler
Roar Rookie
england to get it. if not then the kiwis. if not then the welsh.
riddler
Roar Rookie
where is that coming from? if wales aren't in it, then owens. if england aren't in it, then barnes. if it is eng vs wales then it is berry.
riddler
Roar Rookie
or saffa
riddler
Roar Rookie
can't we all say the same!! we have, what we have.
riddler
Roar Rookie
was actually referring to a different bb. but am glad that your pressure was pumping!!