Image source, BBC Sport

The World Cup was just over an hour old when Japan wing Kotaro Matsushima completed his hat-trick against Russia and immediately became a hero.

It was the first time a Japanese player had scored three tries in a World Cup match, earning him the nickname 'Ferrari' because of his dazzling speed.

After helping the hosts stun Ireland, things got even better for the 26-year-old. His late score gave Japan a bonus-point win against Samoa,and then came Matsushima's crowning moment in the dramatic win against Scotland.

He crossed for his side's opening try and ignited a glorious Japanese attack which helped the country reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

The match was the most-watched television programme of the year in Japan, with an audience which peaked at more than 60 million people.

BBC Sport's Becky Grey has been checking out Matsushima's rise to becoming a World Cup sensation, have a gander here.

Image source, Getty Images

Japan coach Jamie Joseph says his side's defeat by South Africa in the run-up to the tournament was just a rehearsal for the main event when they meet in Tokyo today.

"The rehearsal in September, I'm calling it a rehearsal; that match was a warm-up game for South Africa and they'll find themselves in a unique position," he said.

"I've renamed that Test match as a warm-up for South Africa and rehearsal for us and that's something that no other team in the World Cup quarter-finals have had and I think that's going to be a benefit for us.

"What is clear is what South Africa are going to do. It's clear because of their selection of extra forwards on the bench, it's not unique but shows they are physically going to approach the match using their forwards and being very physical.

"What not so clear is what we're going to do and that's what I'm looking forward to."

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at Tokyo Stadium

Would love to know what is being said in this Japan team huddle.

This is a historic day for the players and the whole country. A few weeks ago, Japanese people looked at me with blank faces when I told them I’d come to work at the Rugby World Cup. Now, it’s all anybody is talking about.

Image source, BBC Sport

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

South Africa will try and control the game, try and muscle their way into a position of dominance in the game but they won't be afraid to use their pace. I watched South Africa v New Zealand and South Africa dominated the first 20 minutes and not many sides can do that against the All Blacks. The best sides I've seen have been the All Blacks, England and South Africa. It's a tall order for Japan.

Image source, Reuters

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi came off the bench four years ago in Brighton and said it was a "very tough" defeat.

He said it had "stuck with" them until they beat the Brave Blossoms 41-7 in a warm-up to this World Cup.

"It's something that we never want to go through again," Kolisi said.

"But they are a much better team now, and it was good to play that game before the World Cup, just to get that monkey off our back.

"Now it's a different game again. We are going to have to be at our best again, because they have really improved as a team - they are much better now than four years ago. So, we are looking forward to the challenge."

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at Tokyo Stadium

Bak-san has become a bit of a celebrity at this World Cup for painting team jerseys onto his torso. But not sure how popular he'll be today - he's going with South Africa!

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, AFP

Japan scrum-half Yutaka Nagare expects to be targeted by the Springboks but is ready for the challenge.

"I have to use my technique given I'm small," he said. "The try (Finn) Russell scored in the Scotland game started off with my mistake so I really felt responsible, and I feel they'll look to attack me in the next game, as well as near the try-line.

"But I've decided to go in determined to play with pride for this team. I'll keep my mind strong. I'll take them on carrying both mind and technique.

"I want to play smart. They'll come at us head-on. We know, as you can see from their line-up, they'll look to make it a forward battle, play a physical game.

"We need to fight properly there of course but it's important to play the ball smartly and make it a quick battle. "I'll keep myself calm and communicate and energise the forwards."

Paul Grayson
Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

South Africa have eight ogres on the pitch, six on the bench, all Shreks to a man! Japan will have to be at their agile best to have a happy ending in this one.

Tom Shanklin
Former Wales international on BBC Radio 5 Live

It would be a great story. Great for the country and the Japanese people here. They are two completely different teams, Japan look to move it wide and quickly.

South Africa will try and out-muscle them, out-hit them, out-drive them, so I struggle to look past South Africa - they have picked a big pack and they will offer just a little bit too much.

Japan seem the fittest team here at the Rugby World Cup.

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at Tokyo Stadium

Japanese fans really are the best.

Canada players helped with recovery efforts in Kamaishi after the typhoon hit last week and local supporters have been showing their gratitude.

Image source, BBC Sport

They might be hugely outnumbered in the stands, but the Springboks will have one unlikely high-profile supporter backing them in the quarter-final.

Tennis legend Roger Federer.

"Let’s go Springboks. You guys can do it, and I’m supporting you guys. I’m your – not No.1 fan, because I don’t know all the rules. But I will be supporting you," Federer told CNN.

Image source, CNN

Atsushi Yoshida from Japan News on BBC Radio 5 Live: "A million Japanese people are very excited to watch the game. Because of the typhoon that hit my country, many people are encouraged by Japan's team and a great performance. Many Japanese people are very excited by that.

"Many top rugby players come here and enjoy staying and playing in Japan. Before the tournament not so many Japanese people were familiar with rugby. But thanks to the tournament they have found the beauty of rugby and its excitement.

"It's possible today. I think they have done great homework and I think they are prepared to win this game again."

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at Tokyo Stadium

Japanese fans and players have some extra emotional fuel today.

On 20 October 2016, the man known as 'Mr Rugby' in this country died. Seiji Hirao played fly-half for Japan from 1982-1995 and was one of the most popular players of his time.

He captained the national side at the 1991 World Cup and was coach from 1997-2000. Hirao is credited with pushing Japanese rugby on the world stage and the fans have been showing their appreciation today.

People are putting stickers on a photo of Hirao outside the stadium as a sign of respect and told me they believe the fact that this game is being played on the anniversary of his death means Japan are going to win.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

Japan's run at their home World Cup has really captured the imagination of local fans, with huge TV audiences and replica shirts selling out in the country.

Some 53.7% of the country tuned in to see the Brave Blossoms' dramatic win over Scotland last week, and that figure could grow even higher for the quarter-final.

"We get a lot of support, especially from Japan," said assistant coach Tony Brown.

"It's amazing the amount of people that have got on the Japan bandwagon. The amount of people watching every game and supporting us in Japan has been amazing."

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at Tokyo Stadium

Fans were posing for new profile pics before they even made it to the stadium. But, to be fair, what says 'I went to the World Cup in Japan' more than a team photo at Shibuya crossing?

Image source, BBC Sport

This lot were my favourites, though. Enemies on the pitch later, but friends on the way to the ground.

Image source, BBC Sport

Only the most avid rugby fans will have tracked Japan's progress between World Cups, so the host nation's sudden rise to quarter-finalists and sixth in the global rankings may have come as a surprise.

Japanese rugby writer Oliver Trenchard has mapped out how Japan became a force to be reckoned with - give it a read here.

Image source, AFP

But South Africa have been gathering momentum at this tournament.

After an opening-game defeat by New Zealand, the Springboks - who won the Rugby Championship this summer and beat Japan 41-7 in a warm-up match - enjoyed comprehensive victories over Namibia, Italy and Canada.

Coach Rassie Erasmus' selection suggests a contrast in style to their Japanese counterparts, with the Springbok boss looking to overpower the free-flowing Brave Blossoms.