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International

Two years since Japan shook the rugby world

South Africa v Japan – Group B: Rugby World Cup 2015

Two years ago today, Japan pulled off the most unlikely victory the sport has ever seen. On a sunny day in Brighton, the Brave Blossoms shocked the Springboks and the rugby world when they ran out 34-32 winners in their first pool game of the Rugby World Cup against South Africa.

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Japan went on to win two more games in their pool against the USA & Samoa, but fell just shy of a Quarter Final spot following a loss to Scotland.

The game will be remembered as the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history. It also created a legion of new rugby fans in Japan, who will be hoping to see their side potentially go one step further in 2019 when they host the World Cup on home soil.

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Comments on RugbyPass

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Ed the Duck 14 minutes ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

How did Toulouse fans feel about each title when they won both Top14 and CC in the same year? Did they see Top14 as a far greater priority and achievement?

7 Go to comments
J
J Marc 28 minutes ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

For french teams ,Top 14 is more important, except for Toulouse, Bordeaux, La Rochelle and Toulon. Others have not the same lot of quality players and make a choice. The first responsability, and for SA teams too, is because there are too many games… A day will come the TV broadcasters and fans will be tired…. And it's even worth in Challenge Cup…

7 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 44 minutes ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

The challenges for SA teams are tricky and it may not even be possible to fully level the playing field with them. French teams however should be different, what do you think would help?

7 Go to comments
J
J Marc 47 minutes ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

And I am not sure, Sharks send first choice to Toulouse…

7 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 49 minutes ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

Said the kettle…😂

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js 58 minutes ago
Six Nations statement: Tom Curry 'Tunnelgate' incident

Well ,really good to see we actually agree on some points. Which is the proper rugby way. Thanks.

Enjoy the rest of the season.



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J Marc 1 hour ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

I will only speak for french people : Bayonne, Clermont, Pau..

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PMcD 1 hour ago
'We are the fix' - How the Sharks can regain their bite to build a dynasty

When it used to be the Heineken European Cup, with the home & away back to back matches, teams were contractually obliged to play their strongest teams, even when they couldn’t quality.

When you look at the side the Sharks have sent to FRA this week, it does undermine the integrity of the competition, especially with this two pool disaster of a qualifying format and not being able to play teams in your own country.



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Eric Elwood 1 hour ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

Which teams are you referring to?

I thought this year Bath have showed up with intent…Northampton as always….the SA teams this year also. , Irish, Scots, Welsh, Italians always respected it..



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Ed the Duck 1 hour ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

“How is a young green out half like Prendergast going to demand the increase in standards required from players (and coaches)?”

Well first things first, he probably needs to up his own game considerably before he starts pointing any fingers elsewhere…



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J Marc 1 hour ago
Late George Hendy try sees Northampton nick win in France

Half,and I am very kind, of the teams doesn't respect this cup. Before it was outside, now it's also at home….

7 Go to comments
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Eric Elwood 1 hour ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

(Please ignore/don’t indulge the troll)

7 Go to comments
E
Ed the Duck 1 hour ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

“Cullen should have gone last season. 4 proper, consecutive tilts at the CC is too indulgent without the main prize.”

Just the kind of statement one might expect from a football fan, particularly an Irish football fan who’s an avid fan of an English premiership team (yes folks you’ve guessed correctly, the one that has bought its way to success after being gifted a free stadium!) and doesn’t even have the heart or loyalty to follow the Irish rugby province he played for!!!



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Eric Elwood 2 hours ago
Johann van Graan's Bath wash away former side Munster in Champions Cup

Exactly. Munster looked to have a 20% chance of stopping that maul and Byrne has a 20% (at best) chance of not being detected. He was gambling with Munster’s chances big time.

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PMcD 2 hours ago
Departing NZR CEO reflects on his near six-year tenure at the helm

If you switch playing for golf vs watching (too wet today), add in about 4 more layers, and sliding in the mud whilst walking the dog . . . . I’ve had a similar day. 🤣🤣

7 Go to comments
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Eric Elwood 2 hours ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

Yes, and it was noticable the amount of no look passes to nowhere, hitting grass.

Accuracy is extremely poor. That means a lot more falling on the out halves shoulders to correct things. How is a young green out half like Prendergast going to demand the increase in standards required from players (and coaches)?



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Dave Didley 2 hours ago
'Don’t quote me': Leinster count injury toll of 'S-fight' win over Harlequins

Cullen should have gone last season. 4 proper, consecutive tilts at the CC is too indulgent without the main prize.

I don't think Quinns had to work too hard for any of their scores.



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Ninjin 2 hours ago
Alex Mann won't face citing for part in Wales-South Africa incident

:”I hope your attention span is as low as your IQ and you go away soon but I am not holding my breath. Most likely I will have to block you as I suspect you are as tenatious as the clap in a 17th century bordello”. See I was on the money. Keep em comming buddy. You are a great reminder to have compassion for the mentally ill.

65 Go to comments
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Eric Elwood 2 hours ago
Bulls player ratings vs Bordeaux | Investec Champions Cup 2025/26

I think Bulls will beat Pau and can so similar against Northampton and drive them all the way. It is incredibly tough to do well in both (ask Leinster) but Bulls have a taste for what this competition means now and should go for it. Stormers versus LaRochelle next week will be unmissable also.

5 Go to comments
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Alex 3 hours ago
'Shaking his head': Booed Louis Rees-Zammit's worst ever try proves vital for Bristol

Lol slow day at the office 😀

1 Go to comments
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