5 Things To Know About The 10-Year Anniversary Of Japan Beating SA Rugby
5 Things To Know About The 10-Year Anniversary Of Japan Beating SA Rugby
Ten years after Japan’s shocking 34-32 win over South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, we look back at five key details from the Miracle of Brighton.
When Karne Hesketh dived over the try line in the final moments of Japan’s 2015 Rugby World Cup clash with South Africa, he didn’t just seal a victory — he etched one of sport’s greatest upsets into history.
On Sept. 19, 2015, Japan toppled the mighty South Africa 34-32 in pool play at the Rugby World Cup in Brighton.
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The Springboks, then two-time world champions, were the team to beat.
With physically larger players and a more seasoned squad, a Brave Blossoms win seemed nothing more than a dream.
Even as the gap closed, spectators assumed South Africa would still prevail — perhaps embarrassingly, but inevitably.
Then, in the final minute, with Japan trailing by three, the Brave Blossoms were awarded a kickable penalty. Instead of settling for a draw, they risked it all and ran the ball.
When Hesketh slid over the try line, Japan redefined what was possible — for the team, for rugby and for the underdog.
Here are five things to know about the match on the 10-year anniversary of Japan beating South Africa.
Japan’s First Rugby World Cup Win in 24 Years
Japan won its first Rugby World Cup match in 1991 with a 52-8 victory over Zimbabwe.
The victory over South Africa not only made history, it ended a 24-year World Cup dry spell — proving Japan belonged on the world stage.
The “Miracle of Brighton” And How It Got Its Name
The match quickly earned its legendary nickname, the Miracle of Brighton, and for good reason.
Japan wasn't just outmatched on paper; the Brave Blossoms supposedly weren't even in the same league as South Africa.
When Japan turned down a penalty to tie and went for the win, it symbolized the team's transformation from a nation hoping to compete to one daring to conquer. That decision turned a brave effort into a timeless legend.
The Heroes: Ayumu Goromaru and Karne Hesketh
Two names became immortal that night.
Ayumu Goromaru, Japan’s calm and composed fullback, was flawless from the tee, racking up 24 points and keeping Japan in the fight. His iconic “praying hands” pose became a national symbol of belief.
Then came Karne Hesketh, the New Zealand-born winger who finished the move that made history. His try, scored in the 84th minute, remains one of sport’s most replayed highlights and a defining moment in rugby history.
How Japan’s Win Changed Rugby Forever
That win didn’t just make headlines; it changed the sport in Japan.
Suddenly, rugby was front-page news. TV audiences soared, youth participation spiked and the Brave Blossoms became household heroes.
The momentum carried through to Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the team again stunned the world by reaching the quarterfinals. The 2015 victory marked the beginning of a new rugby era for Japan.
Eddie Jones Returns For The Japan vs. South Africa Rematch
Head coach Eddie Jones helmed the 2015 charge against South Africa.
After stints in England and Australia, Jones returns to Japan just in time for a long-awaited rematch with the Springboks.
Japan faces South Africa on Nov. 1 at Wembley Stadium for the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series — a fitting stage to revisit one of rugby’s greatest stories, a decade later.
How To Watch South Africa vs. Japan In The Autumn Nations Series
South Africa and Japan play in the first round of the Autumn Nations Series on Nov. 1 at 12:10 p.m. ET.
The match will stream lives on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Autumn Nations Series Rugby Schedule 2025
Week 1 - Nov. 1
- England vs. Australia
- South Africa vs. Japan
- Scotland vs. USA
- Ireland vs. New Zealand
Week 2 - Nov. 8-9
- Ireland vs. Japan
- Scotland vs. New Zealand
- England vs. Fiji
- Italy vs. Australia
- France vs. South Africa
- Wales vs. Argentina
Week 3 - Nov. 15-16
- Italy vs. South Africa
- England vs. New Zealand
- Wales vs. Japan
- France vs. Fiji
- Ireland vs. Australia
- Scotland vs. Argentina
Week 4 - Nov. 22-23
- Wales vs. New Zealand
- Ireland vs. South Africa
- France vs. Australia
- Italy vs. Chile
- Scotland vs. Tonga
- England vs. Argentina
Week 5 - Nov. 29
- Wales vs. South Africa
World Rugby Rankings: Where Things Stand Before The Autumn Nations (Oct. 27)
See the official rankings on World.Rugby here.
- South Africa 92.20
- New Zealand 90.02
- Ireland 89.83
- France 87.82
- England 87.64
- Argentina 83.82
- Australia 83.30
- Scotland 81.57
- Fiji 81.16
- Italy 77.77
- Georgia 74.69
- Wales 74.05
- Japan 73.25
- Spain 69.12
- USA 67.40
- Samoa 66.94
- Chile 66.72
- Tonga 66.66
- Uruguay 66.59
- Portugal 66.44
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