Four years ago they called it a miracle – Japan wanted to show it was not a one-off.
The Brave Blossoms could not keep possession and in the breakdown South Africa showed their power to win the game.
The Japanese team stood in uncharted territory.
After four straight victories they had reached the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup for the first time and were facing South Africa, the team they had famously beaten four years previously. Japan wanted to show the world that the win in 2015 was not a miracle, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. In the pool stages South Africa had put up a good fight against tournament favorites New Zealand, and in a warm-up match prior to the tournament South Africa had shown their strength in a resounding victory against Japan.
The match kicked off and South Africa took an early lead, crossing the tryline after four minutes. Japan controlled the ball well and fly-half Tamura was able to convert a penalty to only trail by 2 points at the halfway stage.
However, in the second half the South African team really showcased their skills. Fly-half Pollard converted three penalties to extend their lead and Japan found themselves unable to break through the Springbok’s stubborn defense, despite repeatedly forcing their way to the South African 22-meter line. The South Africans did make some small errors, but never lost control of the match and in the end ran out winners with the final scoreline Japan 3 – 26 South Africa. Japan were unable to make it to the semi-finals on this occasion.
FW (Forwards)
PR (Props)
Jersey Numbers 1 and 3
Props are at the front of the scrum – the intense competition to win the ball involving all eight forwards in a rugby team – and they generally are the heaviest, most solidly-built members of a squad. They require strong neck and shoulder muscles in order to compete with their opposite numbers in the scrum.
HO (Hooker)
Jersey Number 2
Typically, hookers are built like props, as they stand on the front line of the scrum between two props. Their job in the scrum is to hook the ball back with their feet as it is fed in by the scrum-half. At the line-out it is often a hooker that throws the ball back into play.
LO (Locks)
Jersey Numbers 4 and 5
In the scrum, the locks set up directly behind the three front row forwards (the two props and the hooker) and use their power to push against the opposition. Locks are typically tall, which is an advantage when competing for the ball at the line-out.
FL (Flankers)
Jersey Numbers 6 and 7
Flankers push in from the left and right sides of the scrum. They are usually involved with handling or competing for the ball, so they are expected to be strong in the tackle as well as quick and agile on their feet.
Number Eight
Jersey Number 8
The last member of the scrum, the number eight controls the forwards from the rear of the pack. Often called upon to attack and defend, a number eight needs power and quick feet to be effective.
BK (Backs)
SH (Scrum-Half)
Jersey Number 9
The scrum-half feeds the ball into the scrum. Their main role is to be the linchpin connecting forward and back play. A good scrum-half will be quick-witted and dexterous when it comes to making passes as well as being able to make decisions as the game situation evolves. The scrum-half is often the smallest player on the field in terms of stature.
SO/FH (Stand-Off/Fly-Half)
Jersey Number 10
The fly-half controls the backs. Receiving the ball from the scrum-half, the fly-half can decide to pass or kick the ball, or even make a break themselves. They are a key player in any offensive play and are often seen as a tactical leader on the field.
WTB (Wingers)
Jersey Numbers 11 and 14
Wingers typically race down channels on both edges of the pitch and are known for scoring tries. Wingers need to be fast as well as possessing rapid acceleration.
CTB (Centers)
Jersey Numbers 12 and 13
In an attacking situation, the centers would be looking to receive the ball and then make a pass to one of the wingers, or to break through themselves if they can see a hole in the defensive formation. When the team is defending, the centers will be called upon to make a lot of tackles, so they need to be strong and dynamic.
FB (Full-Back)
Jersey Number 15
The full-back is the most deeply positioned player in the team – the last line of defense. They observe the formations and patterns of the opposing team and control the backline from the rear. A good full-back needs to be solid in the tackle as well as having a strong boot when it comes to kicking the ball into opposition territory.