Ahead of the game, very few pundits would have given Japan a chance against South Africa, but a display of incredible bravery, skill and ability saw them triumph over their highly-fancied rivals.
Japan came into the game ranked 13th in the world, while their opponents South Africa were sitting in third spot, with bookies offering odds of 40/1 for Japan to pull off a victory.
Pundits are calling it one of if not the biggest upset in rugby history, and judging by the reaction of the Japanese players and staff after the final whistle, they might not have been expecting a win either.
There can be little doubting that it has really moved the needle around the world, and sparked a huge amount of interest in the tournament also.
The scenes of celebrations as they went over the line for a try will live long in the memory of everyone who watched the game, and they have certainly made themselves some new fans as a result of their amazing performance.
WOW!!!!!! What. A. Moment. Go Japan!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/gcsO7xeTPq
— ByTheMin RugbyU (@ByTheMinRugbyU) September 19, 2015
The reaction on Twitter and social media has been one of almost universal praise as well as celebrating the win for the underdog, while the match itself was certainly an early contender for the game of the tournament.
There won't be a cow milked in Yamagata tonight. #RWC2015
— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) September 19, 2015
WOW: Japan hadn't won a Rugby World Cup match in 24 years...now they've just beaten South Africa. Biggest upset ever. pic.twitter.com/RcnGTp8b1l
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) September 19, 2015
Whenever the little guy beats Goliath, it so enriches our lives and let's us all believe that the impossible is possible. Thank you Japan
— Daley Thompson (@Daley_thompson) September 19, 2015
In the 2011 World Cup Japan lost to New Zealand 83-7 and drew with Canada. Don’t underestimate the magnitude of what just happened. #RWC2015
— Stephen Long (@Stephen_Long) September 19, 2015
Charlize Theron! Sid James! Diplomatic Immunity guy from Lethal Weapon 2 - your boys took one hell of a beating
— Richie McCormåck (@RichieMcCormack) September 19, 2015
Congratulations Japan! #JPN #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/iPUWV9smLc
— James Martin (@Pundamentalism) September 19, 2015
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