Japan 19-12 Ireland. What the hell just happened? The bookies had the handicap of this match around 21. Johnny Sexton was wrapped in cotton wool. Ireland v South Africa previews were being proofread. And now, well, who knows?
A knackered Ireland seemed to die in the humidity as bad as Ireland vs Holland in Orlando in '94. Japan were relentless, unflagging, indomitable. While the result leaves Ireland in all kinds of limbo, let's take a moment to appreciate what it means for rugby in Japan and this tournament.
The rugby world used social media to give Japan a standing ovation after the match:. David Campese was especially interesting, saying 'structured rugby doesn't work' while delivering salvos at Kiwi=coached rugby.
Sport is émotion ! Thanks Japan and @rugbyworldcup for these moments😍 https://t.co/iZPjHCQBO8
— Thierry Dusautoir (@TitiDusautoir) September 28, 2019
Organisation, discipline, passion and desire. Every one of those qualities and so much more on display from the Brave Blossoms tonight. #JAPvIRE #RWC2019
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) September 28, 2019
#JAPvIRE pic.twitter.com/eefyunFYVo
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) September 28, 2019
They’ve only gone and done it again!!!! Huge well done to @JRFURugby on their win against @IrishRugby!!!!@rugbyworldcup #Japan #WorldCupUpset 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— Jason Robinson OBE (@Jason15Robinson) September 28, 2019
In 2014, people laughed & criticised when Japan beat Wales for the first time. Little did everyone know, that was the start to their assault on World Rugby
Beat SA in 2015, nearly qualified out of the group
Beat Ireland in 2019, will Scotland stop them Qualifying?
🇯🇵 #RWC2019— Andrew Coombs (@Coombs_A) September 28, 2019
What have we just witnessed??? japan_rugby with on of the performances of the tournament so far!! itvsport @irishrugby https://t.co/H1U7NcRZtf
— Shane Williams (@ShaneWilliams11) September 28, 2019
