The Springboks are officially through to the Rugby World Cup 2019 semi-finals, beating Japan with a 26-3 score.
The Japan-South Africa match was full of excitement, and attracted 70 000 supporters who arrived at the stadium to watch the game.
The first half ended in a 3-5 score, however, the South African team truly came alive in the second half, ultimately beating out the host country for the semi-final spot.
South Africa players and fans celebrate as they secure their place in the semi-final at Rugby World Cup 2019 after beating Japan 26 – 3.#JPNvRSA #RWC2019 #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/rGOestphZI
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 20, 2019
There was much pressure on this game for the South African team. The Japanese team was seen as big competition, having gone from strength to strength as they won every match in their pool. If South Africa had lost this match, it would have been the first time the Springboks did not progress into the semi-final round of the Rugby World Cup.
?? What a match!
?? Arigatōgozaimashita Japan! You guys can be extremely proud of your team! They played with honour and put their bodies on the line for you!#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #JPNvRSA pic.twitter.com/Pg4XcBmP4v
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 20, 2019
New Zealand, England, Wales and South Africa are the four teams in the semi-finals. The bokke will play against Wales in their semi-final match.
Springbok caption Siya Kolisi said they had to fight very hard against Japan to take home this victory.
? “It took a lot out of us to keep on fighting.”
Hear from @Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi as his side powers through to a Semi-Final meeting with Wales #RWC2019 #JPNvRSA #WebbEllisCup #RWCTokyo pic.twitter.com/oozwW4RBSF
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 20, 2019
Earlier in the day, South Africans fans currently in Japan cheered the team on as the Springboks exited their hotel for the match.
? Hier kom die Bokke
?️ Enroute#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #JPNvsRSA pic.twitter.com/EpYzKiA1g0— Springboks (@Springboks) October 20, 2019
South Africa has won the Rugby World Cup twice, first in 1995 and again in 2007. Let’s hope we can make it number three this year.
Picture: Twitter / Springboks