It wasn't easy but South African power ends Japan's fairytale run in Rugby World Cup

South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi scores a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium. Photo: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi scores a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium. Photo: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Published Oct 20, 2019

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TOKYO – A powerful South Africa ended the hopes of millions of Japanese rugby fans when they ground down the host nation 26-3 in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Tokyo Stadium on Sunday.

Japan had set their home tournament alight with a scintillating style of organised chaos that swept them through their pool unbeaten with victories against tier one nations Ireland and Scotland.

Their fairytale run, however, ended against a formidable Springboks defensive effort that slowed the Japanese speed, while the South Africans, who only led 5-3 at halftime, relied on halfback pairing Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard to keep them pinned in their own half.

The Springboks, who scored three tries - two from winger Makazole Mapimpi - but wasted a string of other chances, will now face Wales in the semi-finals in Yokohama next week after they recorded a 20-19 victory over a 14-man France, who had lock Sebastian Vahaamahina sent off at Oita Stadium earlier on Sunday.

🔝 A top performance by Faf de Klerk

🤸‍♂️He was all over the field

🥇A well-deserved Man of the Match #StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #JPNvRSA pic.twitter.com/Lr2BiW5AjY

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 20, 2019

Reuters

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