QF4 - Match Thread - Japan v South Africa - 20/10/19 - K/O 11:15 BST

[Guest]

First topic message reminder :

Thought I'd get these made nice and early for a few reasons - but one being that we're already now looking ahead to the QFs with several teams having finished their group stage, so it's all heating up for the proper knockout stuff...barring any more disruption.

Japan



Team:


South Africa



Team: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handré Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (C), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reps: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn.



Venue: Tokyo
Referee: Wayne Barnes
AR1: Ben O'Keeffe
AR2: Luke Pearce
TMO: Rowan Kitt

[Galted]

I’ve just noticed that the SA strip has a springbok face on it.

That’s just clever

Why?

Why have I just noticed or why is it clever?

Yeah why clever?

Because SA are known as the Springboks and the shirt designer has managed to incorporate that into the fabric of the shirt.

Maybe I’m easily amused but I think that’s quite a clever design

Oh on the collar?

Yeah. The collar makes the horns and the white fabric below makes the face

You're either watching sober or on acid to notice that, but can't miss it now that you've mentioned it.

[SecretFly]

Kills the idea that a good game of rugby needs loads of free running tries.

This so far is a game that matches any. Both country's fans on a sharp sharp edge.

[majesticimperialman]

South Africa must be wandering what they have to do to stop Japan's rushing defence.

[tigertattie]

I’ve just noticed that the SA strip has a springbok face on it.

That’s just clever

Why?

Why have I just noticed or why is it clever?

Yeah why clever?

Because SA are known as the Springboks and the shirt designer has managed to incorporate that into the fabric of the shirt.

Maybe I’m easily amused but I think that’s quite a clever design

Oh on the collar?

Yeah. The collar makes the horns and the white fabric below makes the face

You're either watching sober or on acid to notice that, but can't miss it now that you've mentioned it.

Lol. Sober it is. Cup of tea and a bacon roll. Perfect

[Heaf]

Glad you explained where it was - I was going mad trying to spot it on the shirt ...

[R!skysports]

South Africa must be wondering how to combat the referring

It is great that Japan are getting so far, but this is ridiculous

[BigGee]

That was dangerous, the Japanese winger was lucky there

[TightHEAD]

Barnes has just ruled himself out of the final, just as well as England will make it.

[TightHEAD]

Should have been 1 red each.

[BigGee]

Penalty SA

8-3 SA

[Duty281]

Ridiculous call from Barnes. Clear arm around the neck in the air.

[Heaf]

YC for me ...

[BigGee]

Should have been 1 red each.

He landed on his back so never a red, but lucky not to get a yellow

[SecretFly]

Barnes best ref in the World?

Seems as if he's been given guidance to be tougher on SA than Japan.

It was at least a clear yellow...intention is not the point.

[TightHEAD]

Miles forward

[BigGee]

At last a forward pass given!

[TightHEAD]

Red for me

[SecretFly]

At last a forward pass given!

[LondonTiger]

Barnes is not referring anything to TMO. Admirable, but if he had I suspect both the Beast and Matsushima would have faced increased sanction.

[BigGee]

Another penalty

11-3 SA

[hugehandoff]

Slipped into mediocrity now. Not seen anything today to worry NZ or Eng

[Duty281]

Japan beginning to look exhausted. Time for South Africa to start running in the tries.

[LondonTiger]

Japan beginning  to look exhausted. Time for South Africa to start running in the tries.

I was about to write that they look out on their feet.

[BigGee]

Not surprising really, they have no experience of tournament play like this and played their cup final last weekend.

Still it is still close enough, but another try for SA would seal it

[TightHEAD]

One game too many

[hugehandoff]

Physically they cannot get over the gain line. Looks like men against boys, but they are still in the match.....for now.

[BigGee]

They are getting mashed now Japan, this pressure is surely going to tell

[BigGee]

Another penalty

14-3 SA

Slipping away from Japan now

[SecretFly]

Not exactly mashed. Just at the moment getting beaten. Game ain't over yet and it is Japan.... SA fans still nervous I'm sure despite the singing

[BigGee]

That was coming, awesome maul and De Klerk scores

[BigGee]

and the conversion

21-3 SA

[majesticimperialman]

Japan have gave their all in this championship, but South Africa just to good for them.

South Africa v Wales in the semi final next week.

[hugehandoff]

Brilliant from SA......very well played

[BigGee]

Not exactly mashed.  Just at the moment getting beaten.  Game ain't over yet and it is Japan.... SA fans still nervous I'm sure despite the singing

If it was not then, then I think they are now!

[BigGee]

Japan made their mark in history during this tournament, but unfortunately have run out of gas now. Losing this match won't detract from their tournament though

26-3 SA

[sensisball]

Another SA try. Looking like a fairly convincing win, too much power up front for Japan to handle.

[No9]

So it the 6 Nations winners v Rugby Championship winners in the second semi finals.

And Wales have won 4 of the last 5 games between them....

[majesticimperialman]

Japan have done well is this rugby world cup. In fact i actualy think that they got a lot further than they ever expected to.

Well played South Africa a good win in the end. Just too strong all around the pitch for Japan.

[SecretFly]

Not exactly mashed.  Just at the moment getting beaten.  Game ain't over yet and it is Japan.... SA fans still nervous I'm sure despite the singing

If it was not then, then I think they are now!

Yep. Kiss of death from me

[Taylorman]

Oh well, both matches went as expected though France did nearly pull off the win, karma for Wales on the warbs card loss in 2011 eventually getting them there after France looked capable.

Still maintain England’s the one to beat and none of the four on this side looking particularly flash, SA eventually grinding down Japan in the end.

[BigGee]

Well the journey ends for Japan, but what a trip it has been!

Well done Boks though, they look very strong and will fancy their chances

[SecretFly]

Just goes to show that it doesn't matter how fit you are, an 80 minute game still needs energy management. Japan decided to try all their best stuff in the first half. They play so furiously that the gamble is they'll get enough points before they themselves tire under their own game tempo.

Everything sticks when your mind is getting enough oxygen.

[Old Man]

Well the Springboks won’t win the World Cup.

[BamBam]

Says it all that Japan have played at a level where a quarter final loss to the Springboks is a slight disappointment 

After the effort that we put up as hosts 4 years ago, this has been a brilliant contrast and the tournament has been better for it

South Africa look as strong in the forwards as they always do. Whether that power game will win out vs the Welsh defence is going to decide that game

[SecretFly]

Says it all that Japan have played at a level where a quarter final loss to the Springboks is a slight disappointment 

After the effort that we put up as hosts 4 years ago, this has been a brilliant contrast and the tournament has been better for it

South Africa look as strong in the forwards as they always do. Whether that power game will win out vs the Welsh defence is going to decide that game

South Africa aren't all power though. Some quite nice deft stuff.

In defence SA's stats win that battle too so far. You have to score before you defend. Defending nil isn't really a good plan

[protea438]

Well the Springboks won’t win the World Cup.

Why ?

I hope its not one of these 'didnt play to unrealistic expectation for a few minutes so that will automatically transfer to the next game' situation

[BamBam]

Don't know Fly. SA have a habit of wanting to prove their physical superiority, especially when challenged in that way. They've tended to put the blinkers on and go route 1, and I think Wales can handle that better than the deft stuff

[Old Man]

Well the Springboks won’t win the World Cup.

Why ?

I hope its not one of these 'didnt play to unrealistic expectation for a few minutes so that will automatically transfer to the next game' situation

How do you see defending for 80% of the time against England or New Zealand will beat them?

[protea438]

Don't know Fly. SA have a habit of wanting to prove their physical superiority, especially when challenged in that way. They've tended to put the blinkers on and go route 1, and I think Wales can handle that better than the deft stuff

We will see, on the flipside Wales struggled to beat a 14 man French (35 + minutes) side

[protea438]

Don't know Fly. SA have a habit of wanting to prove their physical superiority, especially when challenged in that way. They've tended to put the blinkers on and go route 1, and I think Wales can handle that better than the deft stuff

We will see, on the flipside Wales struggled to beat a 14 man French (35 + minutes) side

Change gameplan, South Africa has scored the most tries in this World Cup by far

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