Summary

  • South Africa end Japan's World Cup to reach semi-finals

  • Springboks avenge 2015 World Cup defeat and will play Wales on Sunday

  • De Klerk & Mapimpi score second-half tries as South Africa dominated

  • Pollard kicked three penalties in second half to crush Japan hopes

  • Mapimpi scored early try as Springboks led 5-3 at half-time

  1. The Brighton Miraclepublished at 10:34 British Summer Time 20 October 2019

    Japan v South Africa (11:15 BST)

    Yes, Springbok fans won't need reminding of being on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in sport - a 34-32 defeat by Japan at the 2015 World Cup.

    Dubbed the 'Brighton Miracle', the win was Hollywood-worthy stuff - that's no joke, Eddie Jones and co have since been portrayed on the big screen.

    Would love to see the now-England coach's face when he watched it for the first time...

    Brighton MiracleImage source, Brighton Miracle
  2. Postpublished at 10:31 British Summer Time 20 October 2019

    Japan v South Africa (11:15 BST)

    JapanImage source, Getty Images

    Few outside Japan would have backed the hosts to progress from a pool containing Ireland and Scotland but the Brave Blossoms did so in style, winning all four games and go through as group winners and reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

    It tees up a mouth-watering clash with Pool B runners-up South Africa in Tokyo, and stirs memories of four years ago...

  3. The fairytale continues...published at 10:29 British Summer Time 20 October 2019

    Japan v South Africa (11:15 BST)

    JapanImage source, Getty Images
    JapanImage source, Getty Images
    JapanImage source, PA Media