On this day in 2015: Japan shock South Africa in RWC

Sport360 staff 09:26 19/09/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Japan shocked the world with their win over South Africa in 2015.

    When the draw was made for the tournament, few would have predicted the first upset would come between Japan and South Africa in the Pool B opener.

    The Springboks, two-time champions, won all their openers since 1995 but that record was ended on this day 12 months ago as Japan produced the biggest World Cup shock in history.

    The Asian outfit, going into the game without a win in 18 WC matches, gave Heyneke Meyer’s troops a tough time.

    With the scores level 29-29, South Africa went ahead for a 32-29 lead in the closing stages but Japan’s Karne Hesketh scored the try in the corner for an unforgettable victory – their first in the showpiece event since 1991.

    Other memorable events on this day:

    1999: Alan Shearer scores five goals in Newcastle’s 8-0 Premier League rout of Sheffield Wednesday.

    2004: Steve Harmison becomes the first England player to pull out of the controversial winter tour to Zimbabwe.

    2006: Randy Lerner completes his takeover of Aston Villa, succeeding Doug Ellis as chairman.

    2015: Gloucestershire hold their nerve to pull off an unlikely six-run victory over Surrey in the Royal London Cup final at Lord’s.

    Recommended