TOKYO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fans in Japan were treated to a feast of rugby here on Saturday. Masters of upsetting the odds, Japan, grabbed a famous victory against the No. 2-ranked side in the world in Shizuoka.
In the late kick-off, South Africa ran in nine tries against their African neighbors Namibia, winning 58-3. In the early kick-off, Argentina got a four-try bonus point win against Tonga for their first win of the tournament.
History-making hosts
September 28 in Shizuoka will forever go down in sporting lore. Japan, rank outsiders, shocked world rugby to defeat Ireland 19-12. Ireland arrived in Japan as the No. 1-ranked team in the world and had spent the last four years winning against all the best sides in the game.
Ireland boasted the strongest team in the union's history and had widely been considered to be one of the leading contenders for the Webb Ellis Trophy. However, Japan - masters of upsetting the odds - had other plans for Ireland.
A strong Irish first half, scoring two tries, led many to believe that this game would go the same way as the pre-match predictions. Nevertheless, a determined Japanese side roared on by a deafening home support, fought back in the second half to seal a magical victory.
19-12 loomed brightly on the scoreboard above the pitch as the whole Japanese squad and backroom support staff ran on to the pitch as the ball went dead after the 80th minute. This is a victory that has set this tournament alight and could inspire a generation of Japanese rugby players.
Argentina back to winning ways
A heartbreaking last-minute loss to France was put behind the South Americans as they ran in four tries against Tonga to seal a 28-12 victory. The Pacific Island nation also headed into the game looking for a first win in the World Cup but was unable to cope with a strong Argentinian first half, in which hooker Julian Montoya earned a hat-trick.
All the action in the game happened in the first half as Argentina stormed to a 28-0 lead after 27 minutes and from then on the Tongans never caught up following their sluggish start.
Despite a try on either side of the half time break, Tonga struggled to make inroads into Argentina's half for the majority of the game and lacked the kicking control to increase their territory during the game.
Argentina now leave Osaka and head into the new week looking to defeat England to secure a quarterfinal place. Los Pumas will hope that this win can give their campaign some much-needed momentum.
Nine try Boks put New Zealand loss behind them
Namibia left Toyota with a solitary penalty, as South Africa ran in 57-3 winners of their tiny African neighbor. South Africa were too strong and had too much quality for Namibia.
South Africa, reeling from a disappointing defeat to the All Blacks, took out their frustrations on Namibia and were better in every department. The Boks's power and precision was too much for Namibia to handle and the second string South African side almost scored at will for the 80 minutes.
South Africans face Italy next, who have looked good so far at the tournament. Italy thrashed Canada in a game that many had expected to be close, and the Europeans will hope that the good form they showed this week can be replicated against South Africa.
The Boks, on the other hand, rested many of their stars during this game. Many of the players from this game will hope that this performance may have earned them a starting place against Italy.
