"South Africa probably have an absolute grilling at half-time. Pat Lambie then slices one off the boot. What is happening to this South Africa team? It is like a Hollywood film."

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The second half is up and running the Pat Lambie kicks the ball out on the full... The South Africa error count continues to rise...

To put Japan's performance in perspective, Japan are winless in their last 18 World Cup matches - and have lost by double-figure margins in 15 of those 16 defeats. 

Japan’s losing run at the World Cup is the longest of its kind. Meanwhile, South Africa have the best win ratio in Rugby World Cup history, winning 86.2% of their games. 

By any measure, that was a heck of a first-half display even though the Brave Blossoms trail by two points. 

The players emerge from the changing room and South Africa have some work to do if they are to have a restful night's sleep tonight. 

The Springboks gained more control of the half as it progressed, and you'd imagine the defensive work Japan's players have had to put in might hurt them in the last quarter. That's what all of South Africa is hoping anyway - because so far this has not gone to plan. 

Image source, Opta

Gareth Thomas, the former Wales captain, is looking forward to tomorrow because Wales will take on Uruguay to start their World Cup campaign... 

This scoreline is not what the bookies' would have predicted. Some experts say Japan have the fitness to continue with such endeavour and, if true, we're set for a magnificent second half.

"Incredible. You see the Japan players running off the pitch as if they have not been playing for 40 minutes. South Africa are getting tactically and physically undone by this chop tackle by Japan.

"South Africa's tactics are to play off nine, but it is bringing in the Japanese defenders, who are stopping the runners where they are. South Africa are dull to watch and they need to change it.

"The Japanese train hard, often too hard, and they have come into this on the back of a six-month camp. But it means they will be very fit. It will be interesting to see how the next 20 minutes of the match go, but Japan could win this."

Live commentary on BBC radio 5 live sports extra.

Rob Stevens
BBC Sport at Brighton Community Stadium

"The fans may have been outnumbered outside the stadium but the backing Japan have been getting inside is incredible. Every turnover and line break is being cheered and the roar when the Brave Blossoms scored their try was deafening. They've won over most of the neutrals in Brighton. Can they keep it up in the second half?

South Africa, one of the favourites for the World Cup, are in an arm-wrestle with underdogs Japan at Brighton. The energy and commitment of the Brave Blossoms means they are within touching distance of the Springboks at the break.

Image source, BBC Sport

It will come as no surprise to those who watched the first half to learn that hooker Bismarck du Plessis made the most carries in the opening 40mins - a total of six from the tireless hooker. 

Japan captain Michael Leitch has been ever present too, scoring the try and making a table-topping 10 tackles.

Japan holding on. And on. And on. The ubiquitous Bismarck du Plessis again gaining territory... up he pops again, but he's knocked backwards this time and Japan steal possession! And that's the end of the half. 

Image source, Getty Images

One last dash of derring-do from South Africa? Yep. Bismarck du Plessis barging through a few Japanese bodies like a hungry bear... the forwards creating room for the backs...

"These phases are going for two-and-a-half minutes, which you never see in a 15s game. It is so entertaining for this crowd.

"The thing that is really impressing me is the accuracy from the Japanese team, and that gives them a platform no matter where they are on the pitch."

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Schalk Burger is making light of his switch to the back of the scrum rather than the side of it. The flanker, starting what will be his last World Cup at No.8, has carried strongly on six occasions and offloaded effectively once - while in defence he already has a turnover to his name.

This is a magnificently entertaining half, both teams showing adventure and, admittedly, making errors. South Africa knock-on at a Japan line-out, which results in a Japanese scrum near the halfway. 

Eddie Jones's men under pressure in the scrum, as they have been all match, but they get the ball away quickly, as they have doen all match.