There has never been a lack of courage, but not even the bravest of flowers can break through Springbok muscles on Sunday as South Africa reached the Rugby world Cup semi-final, defeating Japan 26-3 and ending their dream run at their home tournament.

In what was the first world Cup quarter-final for the Japanese, neither the entire nation, seemingly now besotted by Rugby, nor the raucous 50,000 crowd Packed into Tokyo stadium, can carry the hosts to victory.

It has always been a huge ask for Japan to repeat what was their greatest moment on the Rugby field – beating South Africa 34-32 in a world Cup group stage match in Brighton, England, four years ago.

South Africa was stunned by that ‘Miracle in Brighton’ but with victories over both Ireland and Scotland this World Cup, Japan no longer held any element of surprise.

The first half was close – largely due to South Africa’s profligacy with the line at their mercy – and the teams went in with only two points separating them after an irreversible fourth-minute try by striker Makazole Mapimpi was countered with a yu Tamura penalty for Japan.

But in this case, after an exhilarating first 40 minutes, the Japanese team ran out of energy, ideas and finally hope.

They were not decided as fiercely this world Cup as they were on Sunday night. They also did not face such a disciplined, well-organized defense.

And where the South Africans were sloppy early on – they could have gone at half-time three or four tries for the better – they tightened things up in the second period to devastating effect.

Man of the match Faf de Klerk, who had helmed the South Africans artfully throughout, added a second try on 66 minutes and Mapimpi added his second four minutes later.

Pollard scored one try and converted three penalties in the second period, all went unanswered.

Japan could never hope to maintain the frenetic pace with which they harried South Africa early on and left the tournament beaten, but with a whole new army of fans behind their exciting, free-flowing Rugby.

South Africa must now regroup for their Yokohama semi-final against Wales, who earlier recorded a 20-19 victory over 14-man France, who had lock Sebastian Vahaamahina sent off at Oita Stadium.

(REUTERS)

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