When Karne Hesketh dived over the try line in the final moments of Japan’s 2015 Rugby World Cup clash with South Africa, he didn’t just seal a victory — he etched one of sport’s greatest upsets into history.
On Sept. 19, 2015, Japan toppled the mighty South Africa 34-32 in pool play at the Rugby World Cup in Brighton.
The Springboks, two-time world champions, were the team to beat. With physically larger players and a more seasoned squad, a Brave Blossoms win seemed nothing more than a dream.
Even as the gap closed, spectators assumed South Africa would still prevail — perhaps embarrassingly, but inevitably. Then, in the final minute, with Japan trailing by three, the Brave Blossoms were awarded a kickable penalty. Instead of settling for a draw, they risked it all and ran the ball.
When Hesketh slid over the try line, Japan redefined what was possible — for their team, for rugby and for the underdog.
Here are five things to know about the match on the 10-year anniversary of Japan beating South Africa.
Japan’s First Rugby World Cup Win in 24 Years
Japan won its first Rugby World Cup match in 1991 with a 52-8 victory over Zimbabwe. The victory over South Africa not only made history but ended a 24-year World Cup match dry spell — proving Japan belonged on the world stage.
The “Miracle of Brighton” and How It Got Its Name
The match quickly earned its legendary nickname, the Miracle of Brighton, and for good reason. Japan weren’t just outmatched on paper; they were supposedly out of their league.
When Japan turned down a penalty to tie and went for the win instead, it symbolized their transformation from a nation hoping to compete to one daring to conquer. That decision turned a brave effort into a timeless legend.
The Heroes: Ayumu Goromaru and Karne Hesketh
Two names became immortal that night. Ayumu Goromaru, Japan’s calm and composed fullback, was flawless from the tee, racking up 24 points and keeping Japan in the fight. His iconic “praying hands” pose became a national symbol of belief.
Then came Karne Hesketh, the New Zealand-born winger who finished the move that made history. His try, scored in the 84th minute, remains one of sport’s most replayed highlights and a defining moment in rugby history.
How Japan’s Win Changed Rugby Forever
That win didn’t just make headlines; it changed the sport in Japan. Suddenly, rugby was front-page news. TV audiences soared, youth participation spiked and the Brave Blossoms became household heroes.
The momentum carried through to Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where they again stunned the world by reaching the quarterfinals. The 2015 victory marked the beginning of a new rugby era for Japan.
Eddie Jones Returns for the Japan vs. South Africa Rematch
Head coach Eddie Jones helmed the 2015 charge against South Africa. After stints in England and Australia, Jones returns to Japan just in time for a long-awaited rematch with the Springboks.
Japan faces South Africa on Nov. 1 at Wembley Stadium for the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series — a fitting stage to revisit one of rugby’s greatest stories, a decade later.
How to Watch South Africa vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series
South Africa and Japan play in the first round of the Autumn Nations Series on Nov. 1 at 12:10 p.m. ET. The match stream lives on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
Autumn Nations Series Rugby Schedule 2025Week 1 – November 1England vs AustraliaSouth Africa vs JapanScotland vs USAIreland vs New ZealandWeek 2 – November 8-9Ireland vs JapanScotland vs New ZealandEngland vs FijiItaly vs AustraliaFrance vs South AfricaWales vs ArgentinaWeek 3 – November 15-16Italy vs South AfricaEngland vs New ZealandWales vs JapanFrance vs FijiIreland vs AustraliaScotland vs ArgentinaWeek 4 – November 22-23Wales vs New ZealandIreland vs South AfricaFrance vs AustraliaItaly vs ChileScotland vs TongaEngland vs ArgentinaWeek 5 – November 29World Rugby Rankings: Where Things Stand Before Autumn Nations (Oct. 27)
See the official rankings on World.Rugby here.
South Africa 92.20New Zealand 90.02Ireland 89.83France 87.82England 87.64Argentina 83.82Australia 83.30Scotland 81.57Fiji 81.16Italy 77.77Georgia 74.69Wales 74.05Japan 73.25Spain 69.12USA 67.40Samoa 66.94Chile 66.72Tonga 66.66Uruguay 66.59Portugal 66.44How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.
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