The FINAL MINUTE! | South Africa vs. Japan 2015

Japan completed a famous victory over South Africa in the Rugby World Cup in 2015. 6 years and one month to the day of that win we look back at the final minute, and the dying stages, as Japan's late heroics made history!
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[@WorldRugby]

Is this the best result at a world cup ever? If not, what is? Let us know in the comments!

[@insidechocolatewithjimothy5313]

Absolutely!

[@EnricoduPlessis]

Bash all you want World Rugby, you have been exposed. Emperor Beaumont has no clothes. I guess we will see what happens tomorrow.

[@michaelvanmolendorff9114]

best result is 2019 final RSA 32-12 ENG🇿🇦🇿🇦 also outside of the world cup the best result will have to be 2021 British & irish lions 3rd test RSA 19-16 LIONS🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@fernandosyster939]

Lol world rugby what are you trying to achieve? Please don't fight the northern hemisphere's battles. Tell them to train harder, maybe that will help them secure actual meaningful silverware 😂 😂 SA all the way🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@ac2244]

@@fernandosyster939 27-26 shhhhh

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

Japan going full death-or-glory mode is one of the greatest moments in international sport. Could have taken the penalty and the draw but decided to back themselves. True champions.

[@anonimogames]

Yeah,buying pasaporte si easy,play with fulle japanases playera and Will see what happens

[@aedanokelly5794]

@@anonimogamesthe losers are always salty 😂

[@michaelafrancis1361]

Er this from a nation that calls itself South Africa but up until the end of apartheid didn't even allow anybody of African blood to play in its rugby team! @@anonimogames

[@anonimogames]

@@aedanokelly5794 with real players from japan,japan does not win

[@ashleigh3021]

@@anonimogamesAnd how many South African players are Dutch?

[@Me-ex7qg]

The decison to not bank a definite draw was next level ballsy

[@KOBKStreak]

No guts, no glory. They were down for a historical game either way, but this was for the historic win!!

[@namasi7070]

Leach's faith in his front row to hold up those scrums was rewarded.

[@komodosp]

It was, but how could you be Japanese and turn down the opportunity to beat South Africa? I'd say points in the Pool was the last thing on their mind with such a chance at a historic win vs a forgettable draw...

[@hariseldon3786]

Samurai Level Up

[@lawrieflowers8314]

I was there, at Brighton, watching this amazing game with my two sons. One was a footballer, and had never watched Rugby before. We were just overwhelmed by the atmosphere, the enthusiasm - and what Japan were doing to SA. The tension was amazing - it was electric in those closing minutes. And then the brave Blossoms went over and scored, the stadium erupted, everybody went wild. My footballer son asked in amazement - ‘Dad, are all Rugby games like this?’ Sadly, I had to tell him he wouldn’t ever see a game that equalled this one - not ever…

[@Bydey]

Amazing story. Totally agree. Im a Scotsman who was jumping up and down like we had won the bloody cup. I don't even know why I was so excited. You just knew what it meant to them and you were in delight.

[@jordythebassist]

I swear it was like everyone in the stadium went out and bought a Japan Rugby shirt at half time. I don't think I have ever seen a team just get rallied behind like Japan did that day. If you weren't a Boks fan then you were screaming for Japan to win at this part of the game.

[@ambermac9449]

Same, I was a 14 year old girl and my stepdad took me to watch it and he told me that I had witnessed a piece of history and no other rugby game he's ever seen was like this. My south African friends gave us the tickets because they couldn't go so we were cheering for Japan in the SA section 😂 I still have the hat at uni that I wore to the match. I wear it with pride all the time now

[@mohammedmajiet8187]

This is a sign for greater things to come. Springboks were humiliated by Japan.Sprungboks has got lots of brawn nd muscle but no brains.

[@user-dt1ko6gj3n]

I believe your sons should thank you for giving them their lives in this world and taking them there to see the miracle game. Cheers from Japan.

[@robertwhite9621]

I will never not watch this. One of the all time great sports moments.

[@motomax_99]

Quite honestly the best game of rugby to ever be played on earth, every time I see this my whole body shivers!

[@gitanoespana7694]

Definitely one of the greatest games ever played.

[@dantewalters5209]

Not so great if you're South African.

[@robertwhite9621]

@@dantewalters5209 I feel you bud. I'm Scottish.

[@gregnance868]

AS a South African can I just say what bravery and determination from my Japanese brothers. Just beautiful game and still inspiring to this day. Rugby is a team sport and Japan was just inspirational on this day.

[@ianmarsden6276]

Proper rugby attitude mate.

[@Leeside999]

Well said.

[@samlatu2944]

6 years on this video still gives me goosebumps, awesome ending!

[@tuulisaarikoski8141]

"It's a rugby miracle!" Watched it originally in a sports bar in Tokyo, it was.. something.

[@wadeyyy7777]

First time watching it just then and I got goosebumps

[@JayRicoche]

Forget the goosebumps, I still get teary 😭😄

[@stephcarlofc]

This is why sports is so great. You could NEVER EVER write a script like this!! We ❤ 🇯🇵!!

[@powderedground78]

8 years later and still emotional to watch. What an incredible day. That is rugby! On the eve of another world cup, my excitement is through the roof.

[@kaswit007]

This final try changing Japanese Rugby destiny forever.

[@Wall1s_]

As a Boks supporter living in the UK, this is a bitter pill. BUT! Thoroughly deserved win and massive respect to Japan.

[@mynames7664]

are you from south africa living in the UK or do you just like the boks?

[@powderedground78]

@@mynames7664 Judging by his username, I'm presuming he is both South African and a fan of the boks.

[@justinchetham-strode5234]

Well said mate!

[@theroogie]

As a Springbok fan, when I watched this game, all I could do was clap and smile. We got beaten fair and square by Japan that day and it was a brilliant game to watch. I don’t mind losing in such a fashion and it only hopes strengthen the game of rugby. They’ve become one of my favourite teams to watch. I can say I’m a fan of Japanese rugby for sure

[@asyd2905]

2022 December, still watching this epic game. Thank you Japan. ❤

[@garyhammond7683]

Watching this as japan beating spain in world cup

[@Rob-tz6uk]

@@garyhammond7683 same

[@justrelaxxxxx]

I'm South African, and that last try by Japan gives me chills. Much respect

[@willyjohnson444]

I’m gonna say it - this was THE biggest moment ever in rugby

[@Jamac007]

Definately the most memorable atleast.

[@Bydey]

It was without a doubt imo. It used to be France beating New Zealand in 1999 but this overtook it for me.

[@timbrom]

@@Bydey overall I would rate that as the greatest international rugby match of all time, but this moment caps it all.

[@edharris3668]

Nah England winning 2003

[@mrhiggins3009]

So good as a neutral watching this chaos unfold

[@barbells_and_guitars]

Watched this so many times, and I still get a bit emotional. One of the all time great sports moments 🇯🇵

[@timbrom]

I have played and watched sport for the majority of my 65 years and seen some great moments, but NOTHING compares with this.

[@zeek8343]

These days, Japan, our country, is pessimistic about the future due to economic stagnation, declining birthrate and aging population, and various other problems, so many Japanese are losing confidence. However, as shown in this video, our country has worked hard, revived and prospered. This team reminded us of that bravery. May God bless Japan 🇯🇵

[@elih9700]

May the reign of the Emperor continue for a thousand, nay, eight thousand generations and for the eternity that it takes for small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss. A great country and peoples, flawed and perfect like all others.

[@zeek8343]

@Redphi Re Today, edible whaling is extremely rare and is primarily for research purposes. Also, without proper whaling, the proper ecosystem of the sea around Japan cannot be maintained

[@PhlilipeAlves]

@@zeek8343 don't bother, your country is great and your people even more.

[@roya9712]

@Redphi Re this statement should also apply to northern europe .historical food is dubious at best of times . .ps i dont eat whales and other sea mammals as well.

[@gonkong5638]

@@elih9700 Small pebbles grow in to rock ? Only rock become pebbles. not other way around.

[@papajoe10ft]

2023年の今見ても感動できます。ニュースを見てびっくりして起きたのを覚えています。奥さんに説明しても、事の重大さを理解して貰えませんでした。

[@killbot86]

You know you did something special when even the English security guards are going nuts on the sidelines……

[@shinankoku2]

Right???

[@Bolognabeef]

When??

[@killbot86]

@@Bolognabeef5:56

[@kevinheath7588]

One of the bravest sporting performances I've ever seen. Brilliant Japan. SA will still go on to win many tournaments over the years ahead...I doubt any SA fans will begrudge Japan that victory.

[@hariseldon3786]

Sometimes when I am feeling things are all a bit hard - I come back and watch these 7 minutes - then I pick myself up again and carry on...

[@yssds128]

「日本！日本！」っていう歓声から「JAPAN！JAPAN！」っていうコールに変わってったのが象徴的なまでの伝説の試合だった この時だけはラグビー界の主役は桜戦士だったね

[@DrCrabfingers]

It hurts when a team steals the show against you in the dying minute....but I just love how Japan went for the win and got it through sheer guts and determination. A team playing all out for a win in the dying minutes is like playing against an army. Japan always punch above their weight, whether in soccer, baseball or rugby....in many ways rugby was made for them....thinking collectively, re-cycling the breakdowns, the never give up attitude. Awesome piece of rugby history.

[@akita1934]

Correct more correct

[@Friends-jl3lp]

This is what I live about sport. Japan is not my team but I still shared tears of joy for them.

[@lancelaws6128]

One of the greatest moments in sporting history

[@timbrom]

Difficult to think of anything that caps this, and I saw England win the soccer World Cup. And the rugby World Cup while surrounded by South Africans and Aussies.

[@Thedemonlord66]

It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch this. And I'm a neutral. You can feel so much passion and joy from the supporters. Even some Bocks supporters were cheering for Japan ahah

[@kaifidji494]

One of the best moment in our rugby history ❤️🏉

[@kevinkruger1329]

Posting this a day before the autumn nations South-Africa vs England match will just rage the boks with anger.

[@joeboonmusic4004]

I’m sure they’ll find plenty of things to be angry about. The perpetual victim complex will do that to you :P

[@heinhendric6405]

@@joeboonmusic4004 agree, England & Eddie will be the victims of a moerse lashing by the boks😂👍🏽

[@joeboonmusic4004]

@@heinhendric6405 We shall see! Going to be a great game either way. Good luck for Saturday :)

[@deweygillisbewsher4018]

This upset happened in Brighton, the 10 playing for England Marcus Smith is from Brighton. Coincidence? I think not

[@dannywhite132]

@@heinhendric6405 well that comment aged badly

[@Paddythefriendlykiwi]

I was there on my Dad's 70th Birthday. I've watched numerous games at Twickenham over the years, but nothing topped the sheer balls of this Japan team doing this to the Boks.

[@JSL2000]

Even the Police and medical officers are watching the match!! Credit as well to South Africa who were magnificent in terms of being very gracious in defeat. Every one of them to a person congratulated Japan on being the better team on the day.

[@ScottF255]

I was there working as a Steward while at uni placed right below Eddie Jones (didn't know who he was at the time). I was jumping and hugging Japanese fans in the stands after they scored the winner

[@ianpodmore9666]

It obviously mattered to Japan, but to the rest of the world they had already won. One of the bravest calls I've ever seen in sport.

[@Ginlah]

I remember in the 80s as a boy watching Japan get beaten by the All Blacks, sometimes a hundred - nil, and wonder why they played. This is an amazing victory against a top side! One of the great things about rugby is the history. Its so meaningful knowing what they've been through and how far they've come. Their future looks even better

[@user-yt8qn6qj5r]

なんどでもこれを挙げてくれ！ その度に俺らは泣くから！！🇯🇵

[@hendrikventer4182]

Looking at this again today...24 September 2023. This will stay in the history books forever. Japan beats the Springboks. Hendrik Venter from Pretoria South-Africa

[@KhanoX0369]

That victory over South Africa was the beginning of that Japanese improvement. That impact try in the final minute was stunning. 8 years later I still couldn't believe of the Japan's hugest triumph. May in the next years, Japan could be the biggest one and do equals with Southern hemisphere mastodons, the brutal islanders and 6 Nations monsters. Brave Blossoms is respect. Eddie Jones was the beginning of a great team.

[@fabianlaguzzi1988]

Congratulations Japan, amazing game! Greetings from Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@mikegray8776]

The moment when the rest of the entire rugby-loving world united in total joy. Never forget !!

[@mikeelton5666]

Unbelievable performance by Japan truly one of the great games in world rugby.

[@fredko7086]

Epic moments of sports. That is the beauty of the moment. The Japanese team showed so much pride, mental strength. I eventually bought their jersey, such an extraordinary team.

[@gitanoespana7694]

As a New Zealander I really wanted Japan to do well at that World Cup. This game had me jumping up and down. I would have been happy if they had beaten the All Blacks...but I'm biased ...my Grandson is part Japanese.

[@BarHawa]

Love the passion and support of Japanese fans in every sport.

[@celinejvr7]

One of the best games ever! As a South-African I was rooting for Japan! Never underestimate your opponent.

[@jordanhellberg2960]

Never go against your country

[@celinejvr7]

@@jordanhellberg2960 Why??😂

[@atilla4372]

​@@celinejvr7 Rooting for the country against your own? What kind of insanity is that 😂😂

[@celinejvr7]

@atilla4372 Well, send me to the loony bin then. 🤪 I love a great underdog triumph.

[@jackieking1522]

7 years later and I still can't stop the tears welling. Even after what they nios did to my friends father.

[@bennetmoatshe3918]

6 years later and as a South African, I can tell you this still hurts 😢. And now and again KZbin will just randomly decide to remind me. Like an unexpected sucker punch to the gut out of nowhere.

[@putinsgaytwin4272]

Hahaha I was cheering loudly when this happened but Japan beat my team (Ireland) a couple months later. Lol, I wasn't even mad.

[@Ovie0513]

Rewatching this to ease the pain of the World Cup final :(

[@wayno5655]

Even today this is so moving and a wonderful moment in rugby

[@davidcoldstar6333]

This match is called ‘Brighton's miracle’ in Japan. I'm proud of Brave Blossoms, the Japanese national team for challenging Springboks, the strongest team in the world, instead of accepting a draw. Thanks to this miracle, rugby is now quite popular in Japan.

[@CaptainSpaulding-fm8gn]

One of the greatest moments in Rugby History.

[@CSpiv662]

Greatest game i have ever seen. Only game i rewatch.

[@mrky9456]

俺はこの動画をあと何百回見るんだろう？ そして今後も全部涙するんだろうな

[@johnshields3658]

Truly one of the greatest ever sporting moments. The emotion on the faces of those spectators...

[@0xLimas]

still brings tears to my eyes everytime i watch this

[@alchuling]

I teared up when i watched this match. It was such an honor to witness this moment in rugby history ❤️

[@really8930]

One of the most amazing games I have ever seen in ANT team sport. A day when David did fell the giant Goliath. Extraordinary.

[@allanjarrettbasi78]

Japan is always up there with the rest of the world in every major sporting events just amazing really.

[@richardneville9872]

A draw would have been one of the biggest upsets ever. The win is the biggest upset ever. Unbelievable bottle to go for the win AND pull it off

[@user-hf1sb9xi6f]

3:06 I think he said , Gambare ! ,stick with it!

[@johanvanzyl8479]

So proud of the SA fans and the respect they showed to the Japanese fans after this match. This was the most emotionally devastating blow ever to Springbok fans yet they stood back at the stations and allowed Japanese fans to board 1st under applause.

[@motomax_99]

I miss this time, now the only thing I usually see from Springbok fans is complaining, this is respect, this is what we want to see again. 🙏

[@johanvanzyl8479]

@@motomax_99 can we have some respect from world rugby rather than best score but WC hosting not awarded and annual rule changes to nullify our tactics?

[@insidechocolatewithjimothy5313]

South Africa were real gentlemen. I remember the captain saying " I am really happy for Japan, I just wish it wasn't against us"

[@neilwatson4461]

Simply amazing to watch, I'm more of a rugby league than union fan and this day i was doing a little voluntary role at my local grassroots rugby league team but got home and watched the last 20m of this game, the three of us were going out for some tea but i insisted we wait till the end because it was such a gripping finale to the game. Japan showed a proper do or die mentality to it and so deserved the victory

[@ned_1963]

Eight years on & it's still amazing to watch! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@carntspell]

Security guards going crazy with joy is always a good sign

[@lesicaginitoba7391]

After the final whistle, the Springboks players seemed like they've seen a ghost, shocked A day Japanese rugby fans will never forget

[@paulfitz6614]

Love how excited the South African forward pack was when they said scrum, looked like a lot of respect given in that moment.

[@apolone222]

Still watching this over and over again❤ Japanese team did a great job in 2019. Lets see how brave blossoms go this year's world cup😊

[@nickrobs3454]

Remember watching this it was insane so beautiful to wstch something we will never see again

[@georgemorley1029]

I don't even like Rugby that much but this goes beyond the sport, it really does. Amazing.

[@hvene]

Uno de los momentos más emocionantes de la historia del Rugby (para mí el mejor). Tremenda hazaña de Japón.

[@bFORCe2003]

The biggest upset in World Rugby history. To do it at a World Cup and at the death of the game just makes it that much sweeter.

[@moronicdooshbaggery756]

Love how the final minute took 6minutes to finish

[@taua3645]

Still brings a smile 8 years on to see the joy on Japan's players and supporters faces... what a great effort. Truly one of the great sporting upsets. 😊

[@bobbybobby3070]

Springbok fan here … it hurt at the time but oddly in hindsight shortly after I was happy Japan won! Would crazily rather lose to them as opposed to ABs of England or and “first tier” nation - as a sports fan I love an underdog winning when they should have had no chance on paper! Love it! Even if we were the scalp this time! Congrats Japan for then - and for coming on in leaps and bounds since then! 2019 quarter finalists! Fantastic rise. Wishing for more Japanese players next time round as opposed to being propped up by foreigners though … but don’t worry - the British teams need South African and New Zealand players as well 😉

[@benvaughan3392]

🧂🧂

[@nafets87]

I dont know much about rugby but man was this intense! May the sport grow. Congrats to Japan.

[@liamevans9815]

I have a lot of memories of rugby through the years but this is my absolute favourite.

[@someoneoutthere6259]

The biggest upset in Rugby world cup history! Incredible heart ❤️

[@RenegadeRanga]

Anything is possible when Eddie Jones is coaching. Great play by Japan.

[@GerhardtRoos]

This comment didn't age well, after the 40 - 6 paddling the Aussies received from Wales.

[@t.yamaji.boosfit]

The Hinomaru is the most beautiful ever この試合はたとえ、こけがむしきったとしても永遠に輝き続けるだろう

[@Fukui_JP]

日本の誇り

[@Steven_Esterhuyse]

World rugby and their timely uploads👀

[@alecrosema4885]

Timely Bannings, timely referee choice and timely uploads. Who hurt them?

[@jordythebassist]

Japan's coming out party as a Rugby heavyweight and emergence as a fan favourite. They played an exciting brand of Rugby with a fitness level that broke SA. One of the greatest sports moments in history, period.

[@samgillespie]

I’ll never ever forget this moment.

[@AlecKeller]

RESPECT FOR JAPANESE RUGBY

[@brettonsmith8534]

Was there. Best game ever. From no expectation…just built and built. Epic game. Brighton as a host awesome too.

[@kurtpunchesthings2411]

What a crazy game that was going into it didn't think they stood a chance the game was going good but still for most of the game I expected South Africa to at some stage pull away and win comfortably enough so it's about 78 minutes played and Japan are only 5 meters from the south African try line when it hit me " OMFG they can actually win this " it was incredible how instead of taking the draw they had the belief and confidence in their team to play for the win this set up one of the most famous tries in the games history seeing that last pass and looking at the field position realising that they were gonna score on the last phase and win the game was incredible man did I go nuts when they scored that try best game of rugby I've ever seen

[@IgshaanBarnes-pk5uo]

Rugby is a beautiful sport ,made for all shapes and sizes. Just wish more countries will play it seriously.The reason rugby tops soccer for me is after 90plus mins of soccer all you have to DO is close off a few feet goal area and its a draw 0 - 0. In rugby the ENTIRE BACK LINE IS THE GOAL AREA. NO 0 -0 DRAWS.

[@mross2740]

Goosebumps. Every time.

[@MohammadUmairAnsari]

I love how almost the entire audience turned pro Japan just to watch the game end in a dramatic way. One of the greatest victories in sports.

[@raymondweaver8526]

Everyone loves an underdog

[@dieseltoe]

Still the best ever David vs Goliath story of rugby for all time.

[@mikeelton5666]

Never get tired of watching this 👏👏👏👏

[@LordCapsis]

Games like this are so much better than watching a team get absolutely trampled. Seeing two titans so evenly matched is the best

[@johnsinglet575]

One of the all time great sporting moments of all time!!! Amazing

[@alphakennybish]

Still get emotional on this play. What a win

[@willfrederick8348]

Still love this game

[@llllIllIIl]

RWC 2015 was the best

[@adhikarisubash]

As has been said, one of the greatest moment in sports let alone Rugby.

[@chriscollins4760]

For an Englishman, this was the best result of the entire tournament! Lol. I simply mean it gave us all - as neutrals - something to really cheer.

[@KanyeEast-sx1ii]

We for real were cheering for japan

[@joebleasdale5557]

I had friends over that night, and they just arrived, one-by-one, as the game drew to a conclusion. By the final try, we were all in the living room and cheered like our respective nations had won the final, hugging and cheering, and then broke into “WHO ARE YA WHO ARE YA!” as South Africa walked off. A truly mesmerising night, probably because none of us expected it. We’d just come out for a takeaway 😂😂😂😂

[@salvamorevoyager4953]

One of the most emotional Page of rugby and sports in general ...David beat goliath

[@marcoschocobar7675]

Este partidazo va a quedar para la historia de los japoneses!, un equipo chico le gano a un equipo grande , le gano a un titan!, hasta yo no me lo olvido mas!, otro que quedara para la historia es el de cuando la argentina le gano a nueva zelanda!!! Muchas gracias por el video , saludos desde Argentina - tucuman.