World Cup Off Load: Japan shock the Boks, Godzilla storms Kingsholm

Japan shock the sporting world, TMO tribulations and Godzilla's storming of Kingsholm feature in Rupert Cox's World Cup Off Load...

Alone they stand

There is a play written by Limerick writer John Breen called 'Alone It Stands'. It tells the story of Munster's legendary victory over the All Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978. It remains the only time any Irish men's rugby side have ever beaten New Zealand.

The minnow that was Munster took on the mighty All Blacks and beat them - not just beat them - nilled them. No one had given the Irishmen a thought before kick-off - but Munster won it 12-0.

The Munstermen who played that day became instant, and lasting, local heroes. It was the ultimate rugby David and Goliath tale. Until now!

What unfolded in Brighton on Saturday transcends any story ever told on a rugby field.

Only three teams had ever beaten South Africa at a Rugby World Cup - New Zealand, Australia and England. Japan were 66-1 outsiders (I still can't forgive myself for not having put a tenner on them).

Japan's second try straight from a lineout, finished off by the excellent Japanese full-back Ayumu Goromaru, was a thing of rugby beauty; classic Eddie Jones design.

There have been some big upsets in previous tournaments: Western Samoa in Cardiff in '91; Tonga knocking out Wales in '07; Argentina beating France in the 2007 opener - all shock results - but nothing compared to what Eddie Jones' team achieved in the Sussex sunshine on Saturday afternoon. This was one for the ages.

Analyse South Africa's form all you will, but the fact is Japan were just too good. From the opening minute they played with superior skill, pace, and passion - and showed greater composure.

Their second try - straight from a lineout, finished off by the excellent Japanese full-back Ayumu Goromaru - was a thing of rugby beauty; classic Eddie Jones design.

The winning score to substitute winger Karne Hesketh, after captain Michael Leitch had turned down a penalty that would have tied the game, was something from the rugby gods.

Image of the week

Francois Louw. At full-time of South Africa's loss to Japan - his face a picture of bewildered exhaustion. The Boks will surely bounce back - but this one will take some healing.

Brickbat

The TMO. Friday's television audience for England v Fiji, many of whom would not have been regular rugby viewers, was ripe for conversion.

But after the entertaining opening ceremony we were all treated to a game that at times felt like trial by video. The first half alone ran to over 50 minutes.

Referees must take more responsibility for incidental decisions - stopping the game to look at endless angles of a slightly dodgy clear-out at a ruck merely serves to waste time.

Sure, get the big decisions right, but do it quickly. The world is watching and, with so much other sport to choose from, attention spans are short.

Bouquet

Georgia, who, with just 28 per cent of possession, beat Tonga at Kingsholm for just their fourth win at a World Cup.

The man they call Godzilla, Mamuka Gorgodze, made a whopping 24 tackles and scored a try; a huge performance from the big Toulon loose forward.

Now bring in a two-tier Six Nations and give these Georgian giants a chance to play regular Test matches against the best in Europe.