SA Rugby magazine relives unforgettable World Cup moments.
BRAVE BLOSSOMS STUN IRISH
(JAPAN vs IRELAND, FUKUROI)
The hosts came into this Pool A clash having beaten Russia 30-10 in the opening match of the tournament, while Ireland – ranked No 1 at the start of the World Cup – had cruised past Scotland 27-3. Ireland initially lived up to their favourites tag, scoring two tries from kicks, but the introduction of Japan tournament captain Michael Leitch before the half-hour mark changed the game. Japan won a scrum penalty after shoving Ireland off their ball, which resulted in three points, while their tireless backs continued to play with pace and skill. The Brave Blossoms took the lead for the first time in the 58th minute, when centre Ryoto Nakamura’s break into Ireland’s 22 was followed by a try to replacement Kenki Fukuoka in the left corner. Flyhalf Yu Tamura then slotted his third penalty, with nine minutes remaining, to secure a famous 19-12 win.
ENGLAND END ALL BLACKS’ REIGN
(ENGLAND vs NEW ZEALAND, YOKOHAMA)
The scene for this semi-final was set when England stood in a V-formation while facing the haka and captain Owen Farrell was shown smirking on the big screen (‘I was just thinking, “How good is this?”’ the England captain later claimed). Eddie Jones’ men made the perfect start when centre Manu Tuilagi went over from close range after a seven-phase attack. Flank Sam Underhill’s 25th-minute try was ruled out for obstruction, but a long-range penalty from flyhalf George Ford gave England a deserved 10-0 lead at the break. England appeared to strike a killer blow early in the second half when scrumhalf Ben Youngs darted away from a maul to score, but officials spotted a knock-on in the maul during the TV replays. Ford extended the lead with a penalty, only for a botched lineout to gift a converted try to All Blacks flank Ardie Savea. But England continued to dominate and two more Ford penalties completed a 19-7 victory.
MAPIMPI, KOLBE PUNISH POMS
(SOUTH AFRICA vs ENGLAND, YOKOHAMA)
The Springboks were leading the World Cup final 18-12 after 65 minutes, thanks to six penalties from flyhalf Handré Pollard, when the ball was sent wide to Makazole Mapimpi. The left winger’s kick over the England defence was regathered by outside centre Lukhanyo Am, whose nonchalant inside pass put Mapimpi away for the Boks’ first try in a World Cup final. With seven minutes of the match remaining, England substitute George Ford lost possession in the tackle after a big hit from Bok replacement hooker Malcolm Marx. Am picked up the loose ball and popped it up to Bok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, who drew a defender before passing to Cheslin Kolbe. The diminutive right wing stepped inside past Owen Farrell and dotted down for a try that put the result beyond doubt.
By Simon Borchardt
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images