Irish stew

Japan set tournament ablaze with stunning 19-12 win over fancied Ireland

Last night in Shizuoka, the Brave Blossoms turned the form book on its head and set the tournament ablaze with a magnificent 19-12 victory over an Irish side who had been much-touted heading into the World Cup.

For All Blacks fans there’s now a sneaking thought that Pool A may not end up topped by Ireland – and if they did happen to finish runnersup then we could face them in a quarterfinal showdown.

For Japan, though, they’ll bask in another glorious victory and then knuckle down for their October 13 match against Scotland and a potential victory which could set them up for a history-making cup run.

Japan’s 34-32 upset win in Brighton against the Springboks four years ago was such a shock they decided to turn it into a movie – so what the heck will they do now they’ve conquered Ireland, too?

AP Kenki Fukuoka scores Japan’s vital try during their incredible Pool A victory over Ireland at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka yesterday.