Rugby World Cup: Japan beat South Africa with sensational win

Japan pulled off what is perhaps the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history, beating two-time world champions South Africa 34-32 at the Brighton Community Stadium. Replacement Karne Hesketh raced in at the 84th minute to emerge victorious in the thrilling Pool B opener. Impressive tackling from Japan kept them within two points of South Africa at halftime, with tries for Francois Louw and Bismarck du Plessis from the Springboks, along with Japan's Michael Leitch. Fullback Ayumu Goromaru pushed Japan ahead in the second half, but his effort was quickly countered by a try from South Africa’s Lood De Jager. Both sides exchanged a series of penalties, before Japan grabbed the winner in overtime. Post-match, South African coach Heyneke Meyer apologised to his country for what he said was an "unacceptable" performance by his team. "I have to apologise to the nation. It was just not good enough. It was unacceptable and I take full responsibility,” he said. "Every time we got playing we scored tries, but our discipline was just not good enough. You can't give away soft penalties. There are no easy games in this competition."