Which team did Japan famously beat at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton?

Japan famously beat South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton. Japan won 34–32 on 19 September 2015, completing one of rugby’s greatest World Cup upsets.

The match was played at Brighton Community Stadium, now known as the American Express Community Stadium. South Africa, twice world champions and heavy favourites, led for much of the contest, but Japan refused several late opportunities to kick for a draw. Instead, they attacked, and substitute Karne Hesketh scored the winning try in the final minute.

Japan’s captain, Michael Leitch, was central to the team’s bold decision-making, while coach Eddie Jones prepared a disciplined, high-tempo game plan. The result was especially remarkable because Japan had won only one previous World Cup match against a non-Asian opponent.

A common mix-up is the venue: the match was in Brighton, although the tournament was hosted across England and Wales. Japan later beat Samoa and the United States too, but missed the quarter-finals on bonus points.