Japan stunned Ireland 19-12 in Shizuoka on Saturday to go top of Pool A after two rounds of the Rugby World Cup.
Late replacement Kenki Fukuoka scored a try in the second half to give Japan enough to secure a historic win in their home country.
UNBELIEVABLE!
On home turf, Japan have achieved an incredible win over Ireland! Shizuoka is rocking!
FT: Japan 19-12 Ireland #RWC2019 #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/ng798ka6gp
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 28, 2019
The Japanese upset South Africa in 2015 and have repeated this effort with yet another victory over a tier one nation, and here’s how the rugby world has reacted:
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
I N C R E D I B L E
Congratulations Japan #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/xGj29jl8FA
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) September 28, 2019
JUST LET THIS SINK IN. Japan just beat world number 1 Ireland in a stadium that looks like it’s about to get bounced into another prefecture. @bbc5live
— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) September 28, 2019
Best game I’ve seen in ages. @JRFURugby defence unreal, but also had the phase attack to go with it. Absolutely class. #JAPvIRE #RugbyWorldCup #heroes
— Jordan Crane (@JordanCrane86) September 28, 2019
Front rooms all over Ireland right now… #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/wRIAhz81hx
— Colossus Bets (@ColossusBets) September 28, 2019
From Ireland’s point of view, a catastrophic collapse after going 12-3 up within 22 minutes.
No composure or sense of calm as Japan ran rampant. Mistakes throughout, discipline poor, no control, lack of energy. So poor after last weekend’s positive start. #JPNvIRE
ADVERTISEMENT— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) September 28, 2019
Scotland right now #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/bkYMSqkpMY
— Gethin Pearce (@GethinPearce) September 28, 2019
Wow wow wow! Awesome result for @JRFURugby and yet again the story of a @rugbyworldcup! Could mean night nights for Scotland, what a group that is now! South Africa will be delighted!
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 28, 2019
Classic @jimhamilton4! Who ever wins he’s got their DNA in them! He’s disowned being Scottish, he was Irish last week now he’s English, Japanese and probably a New Zealender too! Absolute 🤡 https://t.co/Z8LyHG0Vow
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 28, 2019
.@JRFURugby head coach Jamie Joseph speaks after his side made history by beating Ireland for the first time. #RWC2019 #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/vuqd1Dv3Bp
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 28, 2019
Wow what a game, well played Japan, well played #JAPVIRE
— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) September 28, 2019
Every rugby fan (except the Irish) in the world right now going to buy a Japan shirt#IREvJAP #RWC2019 🇯🇵🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/UnIpP3B0NI
— Jay Spear 🥦 (@jay_spear) September 28, 2019
Looking forward to a possible All Blacks/ Japan quarter final like…#JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/EpPMnavAtj
— Koshiek Karan (@iamkoshiek) September 28, 2019
Ireland fans applauding Japan #RWC2019 #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/kqZyQg5R86
— Eoin Sheahan (@EoinSheahan) September 28, 2019
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