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South Africa, meanwhile, have fallen three places into sixth spot as a result of the 34-32 defeat against Japan in Brighton.

Scotland lock Grant Gilchrist believes their World Cup pool has been “blown wide open” by Japan’s shock win over South Africa – as they prepare to face the team that has stunned world sport.

It broke a 24-year World Cup winning drought for Japan, the team coached by former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones.

In the 48 hours since their surprise defeat by Japan, the Springboks have dissected and analysed what caused one of the biggest upsets in rugby history. A seasoned stoker of controversy, Jones also insisted the local crowd would back his team – who wear red and white, as do...

Ever the pragmatist, Japan coach Eddie Jones put into perspective what this will mean in Japan, where soccer heroes such as Keisuke Honda and, before him, Hidetoshi Nakata, have got used to sharing the sporting headlines with baseball stars.

Heavyweights South Africa play their first game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Japan in what should be a good test for the Springboks.

Japan’s Karne Hesketh, right, scores the winning try against South Africa during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton, England, Saturday September 19, 2015. I think even the Springbok supporters were baying for us near the...

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

But just minutes later the roof almost came off the Amex once more as Goromaru ran in an excellent try before kicking the conversion to take the scores level. “It’s a fantastic achievement”, said coach Eddie Jones who will leave the team after the World Cup.

Cooper is competing with New South Wales Waratah Bernard Foley for the starting role against the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday after recovering from a shoulder injury that wiped out a large stretch of his Super Rugby season.

Australia have reunited the halfback partnership of Quade Cooper and Will Genia and recalled backs Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell after long periods of worldwide exile for Saturday’s game.