Japan Stuns South Africa For First Rugby World Cup Win In 24 Years

The Rugby World Cup kicked off this weekend in Britain and one of the big favorites has already been upset. South Africa came into today’s game against Japan ranked #3 in the world to Japan’s #13, but the Cherry Blossoms knocked off the Springboks 34-32 with a dramatic try near the death by Karne Hesketh.

Here’s the decisive score:

The last time Japan won a Rugby World Cup game was in 1991, when they beat Zimbabwe for their first RWC win of all time. Today, full-back Ayumu Goromaru led the way with 24 points, including all their conversions and penalties. The Guardian called it, “the greatest Rugby World Cup shock ever.”

Japan now leads Pool B, which they share with the Unted States, with four points, and stand a chance to advance past the pool stage for the first time in their history.

Photo via Getty