Japan beats South Africa in biggest shock in Rugby World Cup history

Respected columnist and author Dan Retief said South Africa can win the World Cup, but probably will not.

There can be little doubting that it has really moved the needle around the world, and sparked a huge amount of interest in the tournament also.

The centre, one of several survivors from eight years ago, goes into the game under pressure.

When Handre Pollard kicked a penalty with five minutes remaining it appeared South Africa would at least avoid a humiliating defeat.

Academics within the University’s Department for Health have been working with the world governing body and World Cup organisers, World Rugby, for a number of years to research how the game can be made safer and reduce player injuries.

He has recovered, however, to be picked in a side as coach Heyneke Meyer opted for consistency of selection after victory over Argentina in their last game in August.

“The knowledge of the way he wants to play, that’s the most important thing. Each player knows he is there because he is the best, because he deserves it”, Pieter de Villiers, the former French global prop who is now the Springboks scrum coach, told AFP. We have a good blend of youth and experience.

South Africa: Kirchner; Habana, Kriel, De Villiers (captain), Mvovo; Lambie, Pienaar; Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J du Plessis, De Jager, Matfield, Louw, Alberts, Burger.

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, a veteran of the World Cup-winning team from 2007, was in line for a first Test appearance in almost a year after returning from injury to make the bench.

“Secondly the speed of the game, they like to play at a high tempo”.

In selecting an understrength side, South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer appeared to have one eye on the matches against Samoa and Scotland that likely will decide who qualifies from the pool and in which order.

However, Meyer knows deep down that nothing less than a huge win over Japan – who for all their bravura and enthusiasm have yet to make an impact on the tournament – would heap the pressure on him and his side.

In front of a packed out and noisy Brighton crowd, Japan proved their quality from the first whistle, turning over several rucks inside their own 22.

The South African Rugby Union could no doubt do more to support and fast-track promising black players from club level, but the fundamental problem is that too few black children are exposed to rugby at school, and that is what must be addressed – urgently.