TOKYO – a Powerful South Africa ended the hopes of millions of Japanese rugby fans when they ground down the host nation 26-3 in their Rugby world Cup quarter-final at Tokyo stadium on Sunday.
Japan put their home tournament on fire with a shimmering style of organised chaos that swept them through the pool unbeaten with wins against tier 1 Nations Ireland and Scotland.
Their fairytale run, however, ended against a formidable Springboks defensive effort that slowed the Japanese speed, while the South Africans, who only led 5-3 at half-time, relied on midfield pairing FAF de Klerk and Handre Pollard to keep them pinned in their own Half.
The Springboks, who scored three tries – two from winger Makazole Mapimpi – but wasted a string of other chances, will now face Wales in the semi-finals in Yokohama next week after they recorded a 20-19 victory over a 14-man France, who had lock Sebastian Vahaamahina sent off at Oita stadium earlier on Sunday.
? Top performance FAF de Klerk
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