Pool B favourites South Africa hold just a 12-10 lead over Japan in their Rugby World Cup opener after an end-to-end half at Brighton's Amex Stadium.
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South Africa started the stronger of the two, but they couldn't make their early pressure pay and it was Japan who made the first dent on the scoreboard when Ayumu Goromaru made ground down the right before the South Africans conceded a penalty which Goromaru made himself.
Moments later the Brave Blossoms had a second penalty in another makable position, but this time World Cup debutant Goromaru missed the chance to double his side's advantage.
Japan had started the match extremely brightly, but it was the Springboks who went over for the first time in the 18th minute when the power of the pack saw Francois Louw score on his first World Cup start. Pat Lambie added the extra two.
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Soon after, South Africa should have had their second try, but Bismarck du Plessis failed to grasp the ball just a yard from the line and the video referee confirmed that the ball was not grounded properly.
Japan have only ever won once in the World Cup and never tasted victory in an opening fixture, but they responded to South Africa going ahead thanks to Goromaru's lengthy kick to the corner.
Their first drive from the lineout caused a lengthy delay as the television match official ruled no score, but they were soon celebrating their first try of the tournament when captain Michael Leitch powered over the line thanks to a drive involving almost the whole Japan team, with Goromaru converting to give the Brave Blossoms a three-point lead.
The Springboks were back in front with their next attack and it was Bismarck du Plessis who somewhat atoned for his earlier fumble. Lambie skewed his kick, leaving the favoured Bokke just two points ahead at the break.
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Pascal Lemesre
