Japan vs South Africa LIVE result: Stream, score and updates from the Rugby World Cup 2019

Follow all the live reaction from the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in the Japanese capital

Japan rescue crews search for typhoon survivors

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.

Reuters

When is it?

Japan vs South Africa kicks off at 11.15am BST (Japan Standard Time) on Sunday 20 October.

Where can I watch it?

ITV1 will be broadcasting the match, with coverage starting at 10.45am. Alternatively, you can stream it via the ITV Hub on your laptop, smartphone or laptop.

Key Points

• Japan XV: Yamanaka; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Fukuoka; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Koo, Thompson, Moore, Leitch (c), Labuschagne, Himeno.
• South Africa XV: Le Roux: Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk, Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, De Jager, Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

[20 October 2019 13:37 · Samuel Lovett]

Thousands upon thousands of Japanese fans have stayed behind to applaud their heroes. Some of the supporters are in tears as the Brave Blossoms make their way around all four sides of the stadium. 'Nippon, Nippon, Nippon!' continues to ring out.

Crikey, I'm feeling emotional myself. I've been lucky enough to cover every one of their games at the World Cup. As a journalist I'm meant to be impartial, but screw it: they had my support tonight.

For everyone who's been following this tournament, they're going to be sorely missed. What they've delivered over the course of the past five weeks won't be forgotten any time soon. The game needed something like this.

[20 October 2019 13:38 · Samuel Lovett]

Some words from Japan captain Michael Leitch: "Rugby is all about creating moments and taking opportunities. We had a few opportunities to capitalise on but unfortunately South Africa kicked us out.

"Congratulations to the South African team, they played their A game and played it very well, so I wish them all the best of luck in the rest of their games.

"I'm extremely proud of what this team have done. To represent Asia and the two tier countries, I'm sure they'll be proud of us as well. Japan is only going to get stronger."

[20 October 2019 13:46 · Samuel Lovett]

Handre Pollard speaking to ITV: "We stuck to it for 80 minutes, the first half the yellow card killed us. We still managed to go in with the lead and knew if we kept being able to impose ourselves physically eventually they would break.

"We knew if we kept hammering away the points would come. It's always tough playing the host nation, the boys handled that well, but it's back to the drawing board on Monday."

[20 October 2019 13:48 · Samuel Lovett]

The Brave Blossoms STILL out on the pitch, with some of them accompanied by their kids. Despite the scoreline and the outcome, this will be one to remember for all those involved.

[20 October 2019 14:24 · Samuel Lovett]

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